George Franklin Antoyan

George Franklin Antoyan was born January 30,1934 in Fresno, California and passed away July 16, 2024 at the age of 90. Named after his father George, Franklin preferred using his middle name, in honor of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

In the early 1900’s Franklin’s parents, George and Alice Antoyan came separately as young children to the United States from Bitlis, Armenia.

As a young couple, they owned and operated a grocery store, the New England Market, located on M and Inyo Streets. As a young boy, Franklin helped his parents with the family business that was located in front of their home.

Franklin attended Emerson Elementary, Longfellow Jr. High, and graduated from Fresno High School in 1953.

In 1956, Franklin enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed for two years in Italy and served in the reserves for an additional four years. During his service, he was promoted to corporal. After returning home, Franklin also worked locally in a Fresno warehouse. He relocated to Stockton, California, and accepted a job with the government at the General Services Administration. He worked in this new position from 1966 until his retirement in 1993.

After retiring, Franklin moved back to Fresno. He attended St. Paul Armenian Church and joined the Men’s Forum. He enjoyed doing things for others and looked forward to each Sunday when he could be with his St. Paul family. Franklin also eagerly attended many of the programs at Fresno State presented by the Armenian Studies Program. He was active and supportive of events for local veterans, including The American Legion and “Forty and Eight Veterans Organization” and participated in many Veteran Day Parades.

Franklin was preceded in death by his parents, George and Alice Antoyan, and by his sister, Anita Antoyan. He is survived by many cousins and family friends.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 1 at St. Paul Armenian Church, followed by burial at Belmont Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Central Valley Veterans, P.O. Box 3426, Clovis, CA 93613; Advance Armenia Foundation (medical mission), 2753 Quincy Ave., Clovis, CA 93619; or donor’s favorite charity.