30 November 1963 - 17 May 2021
John Andrew Gurunlian, age 57, of Lakewood, WA passed away at his home in the early morning hours of 17 May. He is survived by his sisters Victoria Lee Hammersmith of Lakewood, WA and Leslie Ann Gurunlian of Loveland, CO, and his brother Robert Dale Gurunlian of Leesburg, VA. He also is survived by his brother Roger’s children Amanda Kay Lebold of Pineville, LA, Aron A. Gurunlian, Austin A. Gurunlian, and Alex A. Gurunlian of Seattle, WA, his sister Vickie’s children Jason M. Holden and Justin D. Holden of Lakewood WA, his sister Leslie’s children Christopher A. Holl of Loveland, CO, Lindsey M. Holl of Evergreen, CO, his brother Bobby’s son Taylor C. Gurunlian of Leesburg, VA and his great nephew Maurice M. Phillips-Holden along with many many more extended family members. He was preceded in death by his mother Jo Ann (Syester) Gurunlian, father Antranig A. Gurunlian, brother Roger D. Gurunlian, and niece Jennifer Dawn Holden.
Johnny was born on Tachikawa AFB Japan to Jo and Andy Gurunlian. He lived in Florida, California and Hawaii as a military dependent until his dad retired from the Air Force in Seattle, WA. Johnny attended Shorecrest High School, Seattle WA and received his High School diploma after attending Shoreline Community College. After high school, Johnny went into the “family business” and enlisted in the United States Air Force and entered active duty on April 19th, 1985. He attended basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, TX and attended technical school at Sheppard Air Force Base, TX as an A-10 Thunderbolt II Crew Chief. Upon graduation Johnny earned his Aircraft Maintenance Badge and was assigned to the 23rd TFW at England Air Force Base, LA where he was very well thought of and received accolades for the pristine condition of his aircraft. Can you say “ARMORAL?” The commanders wanted to fly Airman Gurunlian’s jet! He received the AF Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Ribbon, and the AF Training Ribbon. After serving his country for four years, Johnny received an honorable discharge from the Air Force in March 1989 and returned home to Seattle, WA where he began a new occupation as a carpenter/framer.
Johnny loved sports and especially the Seattle Seahawks and was an avid watcher of informational TV! He was devoted to family and never ended a contact without saying “I LOVE YOU.”
Johnny will be sorely missed by his family and friends. He is at rest now and we pray he received his often repeated prayer to be with his Mom in heaven.
In leu of flowers, please donate in his name to any non-profit providing comfort, support, and treatment for those fighting addiction and alcoholism or provide services to their family members who support and care for them.
Graveside Inurnment will be held Wednesday, July 28, 12:30PM; Evergreen Memorial Park 11111 Aurora Ave N. Seattle.
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