Joseph (Gerard) George Tomassian was born in Marseille, France, on February 21, 1931. He was the oldest surviving male child of survivors of the Armenian Genocide. His Parents were Krikor Tomassian and Heghine Tomassian (nee Bozaian). His Parents were born in the Armenian Highlands and emigrated to France as part of the rescue of Armenian Christians. He was a very bright student and excelled in school.  However, his father passed away in 1940 when he was just 9 years old and coincided with the start of WWII and the German occupation of France.  As the oldest male child, he was unable to complete his secondary studies despite protestations from his school's principal. He became the family's primary bread winner when he turned 14 and began an apprenticeship as a Barber. His strong work ethic and skills, along with his character of honesty, humility, kindness, patience and above all loyalty remained with him his entire life. His Faith, Family, Church and Customers were always his priorities. He was very proud of his Armenian heritage and exemplified "Old World' values.  He met his wife, Louise Elydie Morelli while working in Marseille and they soon became engaged and married in January 1955. Their love blossomed when he developed a near fatal ear condition.  Louise was with him every step of the way visiting him at the hospital (Hopital Dieu) and giving him comfort and love during this very difficult period. A young French Medical Intern, Dr. Michel Grinda, was given the herculean task to save his life, which he miraculously did and they remained life-long friends. Their first son Serge was born in Marseille in 1956 and thereafter in 1958 they emigrated to the United States sponsored by his uncle Krikor Bozaian. Their second son Gerald was born in Milford Massachusetts in 1961. They then decided to relocate to Fresno California in 1964. Joe or Gerard as he was called in French, opened Le Figaro Men's Hairstyling in downtown Fresno in 1965 in the Security Bank Bldg. He maintained Le Figaro for nearly 57 years.  The who's who of Fresno quickly discovered his shop and the young "French" hairstylist and he developed a list of loyal life-long customers that eventually included their children and even grandchildren. He was interviewed on local TV Talk Shows and radio programs.  He entered regional and national Men's hairstyling competitions and won the 1976  California State Hairstyling Championship allowing him to lead the California Team and compete nationally in Chicago. His commitment to his work and his customers continued until just a few months before his passing. He was admired and loved by all who knew him. He was always generous to anyone who needed help. His family was always first, he sacrificed so that his two sons could receive a higher education that was denied to him due to the War and family hardship. Both sons became practicing attorneys and graduates of major universities. His commitment to his family extended to his grandchildren, his nieces and nephews and many others. He and Mom built a dream home in Cambria CA. so that their family would enjoy themselves and always remain together. He passed away peacefully after a short illness surrounded by his family, giving him love, prayer and comfort. He is in Biblical Paradise now with the Lord and has joined his Parents, his two predeceased Sisters, Marie Manasselian and Alice Tomassian, as well as his brothers who passed away in their infancy. He is survived by his wife of 67 years Louise Tomassian, his sons Serge Tomassian, wife Mona, Gerald Tomassian, wife Lynette and his 5 grandchildren Brendan, Alec, Paris, Blaise and Tessa Tomassian and his sole surviving brother and sibling Marcel Tomassian and wife Diane, along with his special nephews and niece.  In lieu of followers, remembrances may be made to Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church.