Gabriel H Goshtigian

Gabriel Harry Goshtigian, age 99, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on
February 18, 2025. He was born in Fowler, CA to Gabriel and Parantzen Goshtigian on
December 22, 1925. Gabe, part of the “Greatest Generation” was a husband, father,
grandfather, brother, friend, business owner, fisherman and gardner.
He grew up on the family grape farm with his sisters, Miriam and Annabelle, in Exeter, CA and
developed his love for growing things that continued for the rest of his life. His father had
immigrated from Armenia, escaping the Genocide, through Ellis Island and fairly quickly settled
in California. Gabe grew up speaking Armenian in the household and learning English at
school. Near the end of his senior high school year the family moved to San Francisco and
Gabe graduated from Mission High School in 1943. After graduation he became an apprentice
to a journeyman cabinetmaker, building upon his woodworking skills, earning $1.50 per hour.
This didn’t last long as WWII called and as soon as he was 18, Gabe enlisted in the Navy.
From 1944 until after the end of the War in 1946, he served at Pearl Harbor as a Yeoman
Second Class in the role of a clerk typist in the repair shop, typing orders for repairs to naval
ships.
In 1953 he married the love of his life, Stephanie Avakian, and they proceeded to build a family
in the community of Fresno, California. Daughter, Gale was born in 1955 and Patrick was
added to the family in 1966. They purchased Steven’s Bicycle Shop from his father-in-law and
ran a successful business for 35 years until he sold it in 1990 and retired. He was proud that
the store is still operating today and continuing to serve generations of families, just as he did.
Gabe was very active in St. Paul Armenian Church, participating in a number of church
organizations over the years. He was well-known for the salads and cookies he would prepare
for countless luncheons and dinners as well as working the beverage station at the annual
picnic. While the bicycle store demanded too much time for him to take a leadership position,
Gabe was an active volunteer who served wherever needed. As such, he was awarded a
special service award on the 25th anniversary of the consecration of the church. Similarly,
once in Los Angeles, Gabe continued his service with St. James Armenian Church and was
honored with the Western Diocese Hye Spirit Award.
Gabriel also enjoyed his decades of brotherhood in the Knights of Vartan lodge, first Yeprad
lodge in Fresno and later Ardaz lodge in Los Angeles. He was heavily involved with all of the
activities of the lodge, but his favorite was attending the annual Yeprad outing to Dinkey Creek.
He continued to attend well into his 90’s, even after moving to Los Angeles. Based on his
service, Yeprad Lodge awarded Gabe Asbed of the Year in honor of Lucas Nersesian in 2004.
As pastimes throughout his life and into retirement, Gabe was an avid fisherman, enjoying
fishing in the ocean, streams or lakes. He also produced a bounty of fruits and vegetables
from his home garden to share with family, neighbors and friends. His gardening skills were
self-taught, but none-the-less the Fresno Garden of the Sun, where he volunteered, named him
a Honorary Master Gardner. He would carry on his volunteer work when he moved to Southern
California at the Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden. He also learned the art of making stained
glass objects, creating lamps and other beautiful art pieces for the family to enjoy.
Gabriel H. Goshtigian
December 22, 1925 — February 18, 2025
In retirement, though, one of Gabe’s favorite activities was spending time with his
grandchildren. After the first birthday of his first granddaughter, he and Stephanie made the
decision to move to the South Bay to be closer to Gabriella and eventually Amalia. It was
difficult to leave their friends, community and church of 50 years, but they made the most of
their time with the grandchildren. Gabe particularly enjoyed taking the kids to Soup Plantation,
CJ’s or In-N-Out. He also enjoyed spending time with them on numerous outings, fishing,
helping with the gardens at their schools, and always attending any and all activities they
participated in. He was able to be a full-time grandfather, and he loved the role, just as he
loved his other family roles.
Gabriel is preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Stephanie Goshtigian; he is survived by
his daughter, Gale Valentini (Mark who preceded him in death); son Patrick Goshtigian (Mary);
granddaughters, Gabriella and Amalia Goshtigian, as well as dear cousins, nieces and
nephews.
A funeral service will be held at St. James Armenian Apostolic Church, 4950 W. Slauson Ave,
Los Angeles, CA 90056, on Monday, March 3, 2025, starting at 11am. Following a memorial
luncheon, Gabriel will be interred at Green Hills Memorial Park, 27501 S. Western Ave, Rancho
Palos Verdes, CA 90275.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. James Armenian Apostolic Church or a charity
of one’s choice.