Charles Suren Mosesian

Charles Suren Mosesian died in the late afternoon on March 27th at his Van Ness residence. Born in 1941 on February 12th to parents Suren and Marion Mosesian, Charlie, a proud Fresno Armenian, was described in his adolescence to be fun loving with an ability to make lasting friendships. After graduating from Fresno High in 1958, Charles attended college at the University of California, Santa Barbara. There he was a member of the Epsilon-Theta Chapter of Kappa Sigma Fraternity and completed 2 years of instruction in the Senior Division Reserve Officers Training Corps while he completed his degree in Industrial Arts in 1963.

After graduating from college, Charles returned to the central valley where he became a self-driven and well-respected member of Madera’s farming community. His many agricultural accomplishments and contributions in the fruit, raisin, and nut industry were documented in numerous publications, frequently being featured in the Madera Tribune. Some of which include becoming an expert wine grape farmer with the help of Leslie Markarian, overcoming early challenges in the raisin farming industry and exceeding expectations with the help of the Loquaci family, helping his nephew Richard start his own raisin plant in 1986, and creating MT Trading Co. with his long-time business associate and friend Marty Taylor. He was also called upon by friends and other California farmers for his agricultural expertise and respected guidance. His business partners and family, Richard and Dylan Mosesian, remember his love of the land he farmed in Madera that he quoted to say was reminiscent of ancestral Armenian farmland.

His industriousness is a family value which was encouraged in him from a young age working with his late father and brother at ever evolving fruit stands over the years. First, spending much of his childhood with his father and brother at their watermelon stand from the age of 7. Seventeen years later, post college, he moved the business to Peach and Kings Canyon; where Sunnyside High School sits today. This location was operated until his father’s death in 1984. Charles later opened his own Fruit Stand in 1991 which is still a prominent fixture on the corner of Highway 145 and Avenue 12. It is here where on a seasonal basis you can buy a selection of produce and nuts directly from Mosesian family-owned Sunbeam Fruit Company, Sunbeam Raisin Company, and other California farmers. Customers are greeted by the Charlie’s Fruit Stand sign with its smiling watermelon mascot to this day.

On top of his achievements in the central valley, Charles was a well-liked land developer and property owner in Southern California. His Newport Beach properties, including his Westcliff Shopping Center, are examples of his business focused mind and capacity to make fruitful business decisions. When in Newport he continued to work, educated the younger members of his family about his business practices with pride or sought the company of lifelong friends. When celebrating with Charles, many remember him as the lively storyteller at parties and is even remembered by family as “the world’s most optimistic man”. When not available locally or on the mainland, it was known that you could find Charles relaxing at Kahala Beach on Oahu in his condominium which holds treasured memories for the many family members and friends he shared it with over the years. To this day he is remembered fondly as a generous friend, family member, and businessman. He continues to leave lasting impacts on furthering the success of future generations with the opportunities he provided too many over the years.

Charles is survived by his decades long business partner and nephew Richard Mosesian, Richard’s wife Michele, and kids Caitlin and Dylan Mosesian. Other surviving family members include his nephew Paul Charles Mosesian, wife Christy Mosesian, his niece, Suzanne “Pebbles” Mosesian, his sister-in-law Diane Mosesian, and his many cousins and other family members scattered throughout California and the United States. Charles also has many friends who survived him and cherished him up until the very end. Charles is predeceased by his brother Paul Mosesian and his parents Suren and Marion Mosesian.

Charles’ family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for the outpouring of support during this difficult time and for his day-to-day care provided by Keri Taylor and Samuel Sehm. Also, for the assistance provided by his nursing staff: Elsa Hernandez, Jasmine Concepcion, Lydia Contreras and Oyuna Hospice Inc. in his final days. In lieu of flowers, donations in Charles Mosesian's memory may be made to Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church or The Armenian EyeCare Project through their respective websites.