Joseph Markarian was born in France on July 4, 1929.  He left this world peacefully surrounded by loved ones on February 3, 2022.  He is survived by his wife, Paqurette M. Markarian, his daughter Regine Markarian, his son Philippe Markarian (wife Monique), his four grandchildren, Joey, Jenna, Conner, Chase, and two great grandchildren, Noa and Angelo.

In his early 20's, Joseph migrated to the United States to start a new chapter in his life.  He arrived in New York where he worked in the restaurant industry saving money and learning English.   Once he moved to Fresno, a place he would call home, he brought his parents Avedis and Araksie Markarian to join him.  He and his parents owned and managed a very small grocery store.  In 1959 Joseph and Paquerette were married at St. Gregory Church, in Fowler, CA and in 1961 they bought their first home with twenty acers of thompson seedless grapes, where they grew and made raisins for many years.

Joseph worked diligently to complete his BS degree, went on to graduate from UCLA with his Masters in French in 1970, and then pursued his PHD in French Literature with hopes of being an instructor at the University level one day.   His journey took him down a different  path and he returned home to become a full-time farmer in the valley.  He worked endless hours each year in an effort to produce a bountiful harvest.  He experimented with different varieties, supported organizations that promoted agriculture in our community and took great pride in growing his family farm over the years.  His greatest pride and joy though was his family.  He was a kind, loving man with a warm heart and an ability to make everyone feel welcomed and comfortable in his presence.  He will be greatly missed, but he will continue to be our guiding light!

Services will be held Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church located at 2226 Ventura Ave, Fresno, CA  93721 and interment at Washington Colony Cemetery immediately after.