Philip Charles Garo
June 17, 2022
Fresno, California - October 14,1935-June 17, 2022
Fresno, CAâ€"Phil, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend was greeted in heaven after a very brief illness. Phil was born to Armenian Genocide survivors, John Garo and Grace Arakelian. He grew up in an idyllic Fresno of the 1950s. Graduating from Fresno High in 1953 when Levi's and poodle skirts were the cat's meow.
Phil was a mechanically minded guy who quickly became obsessed with Hot Rods. He had a great group of friends who participated in many Rod-Runs and Car Shows.
But the most important thing to Phil was sharing the saving grace of Christ Jesus with EVERYONE he met. He was a dedicated member of the First Armenian Presbyterian Church and he loved the choir. He would greet everyone with a hug and sometimes a kiss, not to mention his big smile. In the last 15 years, Phil was a committed member of Bible Study Fellowship which he attended with his grandchildren and those who would come to know him as Grandpa Phil. After nearly 40 years working as a mechanic for Lion Packing, he finally retired at the age of 82.
Phil and Elaine had a wonderful life together being solely and lovingly devoted to one another for 60+ years.
Phil is preceded in death by his daughter Judith Elaine. He is survived by his wife Elaine, his children, and their spouses: Kim Garo (Jim Malkasian), Phil Jr. (Melineh), and Jonelle Kazarian (Kalem); grandchildren: Judi, Peter, Frank Kazarian, Micah, Daniel, Johnny, and Nina Garo.
Visitation will be held at First Armenian Presbyterian Church (FAPC) on Wednesday, July 6th from 5-7 pm. Internment at Belmont Memorial Park at 10 am followed by a Hot Rod processional to the Memorial service at FAPC, 11 am, Thursday, July 7th. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to FAPC 430 S. First Street, Fresno, CA 93702