Richard Sam Elia was born on August 8, 1943, to John and Victoria (Shekoyan) Elia in Fresno, California and peacefully passed away on July 17, 2022. Richard attended Longfellow and Hamilton Jr. High Schools and graduated from Fresno High in 1961. After graduation, Richard joined the US Army Reserve and was stationed at Fort Polk Louisiana.

Richard was a born salesman. As a young boy, he sold YMCA soap to pay his way to summer camp. After Army Reserve Training he worked at DeVoe Paint Company selling paint to many of his contractor relatives. To promote business, Richard prepared breakfast on Friday mornings for his customers while they waited for their paint orders. After DeVoe, he worked at Harry Mazgedian's furniture store. During this time, Ron Karabian approached Richard to join New York Life Insurance Company. Richard's New York Life career began in 1966 and continued until his passing.

With a secure job, Richard proposed on Christmas Day to Delphia Southworth, a girl he met at Port George's Drive-In on Belmont Avenue. They married on Valentine's Day and enjoyed 55 years together. He was extremely proud of his son, Richard Elia, MD of Fresno and daughter, Brandyce Elia, MD, JD of San Diego.

Growing up in Armenian Town, he often shared how his parents collected petition signatures to allow his family to move into a North Fresno neighborhood. He never forgot his roots and contributed his success to his Armenian family upbringing. Richard was a giving, humble and honest man of faith, who cared for others more than himself.

Richard was involved in his children's sport activities, Boy Scouts, served as a First Armenian Presbyterian Church Elder, member of FAPC, Life Underwriters, Life Member of Million-Dollar R oundtable, and the Reedley Duck Club. His most recent activity was Can-Am off-roading with his son.

Richard loved life and enjoyed many years of hunting fishing and traveling. Richard and Del traveled most of the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand and numerous trips to Europe. Richard always cherished those memories and would say he was a blessed man to be able to enjoy life to the fullest. He had a supporting family, many friends and clients, who he considered as family. One of his last comments was to say ''THANK YOU!" to all of you.

Richard is survived by his wife, son, daughter, brother Kenneth Elia, sister-in-law Greta Elia, cousins and extended family.

Visitation will be at Yost & Webb Chapel, July 26, 2022 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Service will be held at First Armenian Presbyterian Church July 27, 2022 at 10:00 a.m., followed by burial at Belmont Memorial Park.

The family politely requests that
masks be worn at all services.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to:
First Armenian Presbyterian Church
430 S First St. Fresno 93702
or
Hinds Hospice
1416 W. Twain, Fresno 93711