It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Peter George Chilpigian Sr.,a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and recent great-grandfather, on February 9, 2026. Pete is survived by his loving wife, Isabel; sons,Peter (Patty) Chilpigian and Jon (Karyn)Chilpigian; grandchildren, Christi and Kyle Standring, and Kyle Chilpigian; great-grandchild,Oliver Standring; stepdaughters, Jennifer Ounjian
and Jeannine Tackett; and step-grandchildren,Jendayi, Oumawale and Inikko Auque, and LiamTackett.
Pete was born on August 13, 1938, in Lowell, Massachusetts. His parents, Ester and Kevork
(George) Chilpigian, who were married in Marseilles, France, on April 25, 1928, moved with
their youngest son, Pete, and his older sisters, Ann, Rose, and Violet, from Lowell,
Massachusetts, to Fresno, California, in June 1944.
As a child, Pete was active, spunky, and fearless. During elementary school, he delivered
newspapers and helped his parents with chores around the house. He attended Roosevelt
High School, where he played football, competed in swimming and gymnastics, and ran
track.
Pete served in the National Guard for several years, where he learned to weld and repair jet
engines. On June 6, 1964, he married Charlotte Smith in Fresno, California. They had two
sons, Peter and Jon. Pete worked at Christian Brothers Wineries, performing various
maintenance and welding duties. Charlotte passed away on August 19, 1991.
Pete retired from Christian Brothers Winery in 1998. On September 29, 2001, he married
Isabel Ounjian, and they enjoyed nearly 25 years of marriage.
As a young man, Pete loved riding motorcycles, playing cards, working on cars, and
socializing with friends. As a family man, his interests expanded to include fishing, camping,
and building a variety of wood and metal projects. Later in life, he focused on restoring cars
and motorcycles and traveling to exotic locations. He cherished simple daily pleasures:
morning coffee, playing cards with friends, and spending time with his family.
Pete will be remembered for his infectious personality, unwavering devotion to his family, and
deep loyalty to his friends. He was a hard worker who knew how to have fun and truly
enjoyed life to the fullest.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul
Armenian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to St. Paul Armenian Church
or a charity of your choice.