By Michael YEGHIAYAN

Prominent publisher and Glendale icon John Krikorian passed away on Saturday, April 6 after succumbing to heart failure. He was 80 years old.

Since moving to Glendale in 1989, Krikorian immersed himself in the community through both his work and various charitable endeavors. He founded “Business Life Magazine” in 1990 as well as “Senior Living Magazine” and the Krikorian Marketing Group. He was also an active member of a number of organizations, serving on the boards of the Glendale Adventist Medical Center Advisory Council, County of Los Angeles Human Relations Corporate Advisory Council, Los Angeles County Small Business Commission, Pasadena’s Mayor Disability Committee, and the Pasadena Special Olympics, among many others.

Krikorian leaves behind his wife, Elsie, as well as eight children and 22 grandchildren. His son, Greg Krikorian, has served as a member of the Glendale Unified School District board of education since 2001 and was recently reelected to another term.

John Krikorian was born in Hartford, Conn. on Aug. 24, 1932 and graduated from Bryant University in Providence,

R.I. He served in Korea between 1951 and 1953, earning the rank of supply sergeant in the U.S. Army.

In 2011, Krikorian suffered a heart attack while accepting a Service Above Self award hosted by the Glendale Fire Dept. He was rushed to nearby Glendale Adventist Medical Center where he would eventually recover.

Glendale Adventist Medical Center CEO Kevin Roberts reflected on the tremendous personality of Krikorian.

“Suffice to say, we all loved John. He was a salt of the earth guy, always looking for ways to connect to people,” said Roberts. “He always gave good insight, ideas would spontaneously flow out of him. His power and passion for connectivity will be deeply missed.”

Those wishing to make a gift in Krikorian’s memory have been asked by his family to donate to the John Krikorian Journalism Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation of the Verdugos in lieu of flowers. Contributions can be made at www.cfverdugos.org under the John Krikorian Tribute button.

Services will be held at St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church, 500 S. Central, Glendale 91204 at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 12.

  MICHAEL YEGHIAYAN