Sam Esraelian
March 27, 1929 – March 14, 2026

Sam Esraelian was born on the family farm in Selma, California, on March 27, 1929, to parents Setrak and Anna Esraelian. He lived on that farm the majority of his life, buying it in 1965, and raising his family there. After his last hospital stay, he was happy to return to his farm despite needing the care of his son Brian; he died there on March 14, 2026, just days before his 97th birthday.

Sam was a loving and devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. Above all else, he valued his family and worked hard his entire life to provide for them. After meeting Margie Boranian at an A.C.Y.O. dance, they married on November 6, 1954. Even though they celebrated 66 years together, Sam deeply missed Margie after she passed in 2020.

Sam loved his farm and being a farmer: grapes for raisins, persimmons, and whatever he planted all grew well for him. He always had a flourishing vegetable garden through the summer, and he took great pride in his yard which he maintained himself. He worked many other jobs to supplement the family income because he knew that farming prices were unpredictable.

Drafted in 1951, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was awarded three medals for bravery for saving fellow soldiers. He entered the War as an ammunitions carrier and left a platoon sergeant, often patrolling on both sides of the 38th Parallel and remaining in freezing foxholes for days.

His Korean War experience left an indelible mark on his life, and after being honorably discharged in 1953, he valued the contribution of all veterans. He joined Selma's Post 12 of the American Legion and was especially proud to place flags on veterans' graves on Memorial and Veterans Days, a service he did for over 20 years. In 2016 at age 87, Sam, with other veterans and his son Brian, traveled with the 11th Annual Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. to visit Arlington National Cemetery and other memorial sites. Sam was selected to place a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and participate in the Changing of the Guard Ceremony which he described as a great honor in his life.

In 2017, Sam was presented with CrisCom Company's Leader of America Award for his exceptional civic commitment. The annual award is presented to recipients who have made a significant positive impact on the nation.

He and Margie were dedicated members of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church of Fowler. Sam served many years on the Parish Council and was Chairman twice. He was also active in the Men's Forum and served on many church committees, including the Building Committee. For his many years of service to the parish, the Catholicos of the Armenian Apostolic Church awarded him the St. Nerses medal to mark his unconditional service and devotion to the Armenian church and community.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Rose Bozigian, his brother Charles, his wife Margie, and his daughters, Gail Esraelian and Pam Poochigian. The losses of his daughters and his wife were especially hard for him to bear.

He is survived by his son Brian Esraelian and his wife Alicia and granddaughter Peyton Esraelian, his son-in-law Gary Poochigian and grandchildren Brett Poochigian and Heather Poochigian, his brothers Sarkis Esraelian and Pete Esraelian and Pete's wife DeeNeece, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Sam requested that any donations made in his name go the American Legion, Selma Post 12, 1245 Nebraska Avenue, Selma, California 93662.