Robert Simonian (74) - Big Valley News & Radio

Robert Lee Simonian (74), better known as “Bob” passed away on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at the age of 74 years. Bob was born to Vasken and Lorena Simonian in Fresno where he was a lifelong resident. Bob attended Madison Elementary School and graduated from Central Union High School with the Class of 1960. He later received his Associates Degree from Heald College.

Bob was active in numerous endeavors, most notably his membership at the Biola Congregational Church, his service on the Board of the Herndon-Barstow School Board, where he was a Past-President and his position of President of the Madera County Air Crafters, Inc. In his leisure time he enjoyed his flying time and was also an avid hiker, spending time in the outdoors. For the past 26 years he was an employee of Cal-West Rain where he was in sales, and also was a grape farmer.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Peter Simonian, his nephews Mark Bringetto, and Tim Wise and by a great-niece Nicole Dunn.

Bob is survived by his wife of 54 years, Terri Rebensdorf Simonian, who was his classmate from Central High School. He is the father of Tammie Riley and her husband Chris, and Robby Simonian all of Fresno. He is the brother of Shirley Bringetto and her husband Leo and the brother-in-law of Patty Costa Simonian all of Fresno. He is the beloved grandfather of Alexa, Hana, and Noah Riley, and was the favorite uncle of numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the Fresno Sheriff’s Search and Rescue and Canine Division for their extraordinary service.

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 13, 2016 from 4 to 8 PM at Jay Chapel, 1121 Roberts Avenue in Madera. A Memorial Service in thanksgiving and celebration of his life will be on Thursday, July 14, 2016 at 11 AM at the Biola Congregational Church, 4717 North 5th Street in Biola. Private Interment will be at Fresno Memorial Gardens.

The family has suggested memorial donations be made to the Biola Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 307, Biola, CA. 93606, the Fresno Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team Canine Division, P.O. Box 7, Fresno, CA. 93707, or the donor’s favorite Charity.