Larry Zarian: A True Leader and Advocate
The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region, through its Board of Directors, local chapters, as well as all its members, mourns the passing of Larry Zarian, a true Armenian-American leader and advocate, and offers condolences to his family, friends and the entire Armenian-American community.
Larry Zarian was the first Armenian-American to be elected to the Glendale City Council at a time when Glendale was a burgeoning haven for Armenians. During his 16 years on the Glendale City Council, where he also served as Mayor, Zarian was instrumental in leading the charge to make Glendale the jewel of Southern California. More important, he became an outspoken voice for Armenian-Americans and their aspirations in what was to become the largest concentration of Armenians outside Armenia.
Zarian always led by example. His conduct and demeanor were worthy of praise, and his advocacy on behalf of the Armenian-American community was exemplary.
He bridged long-time Glendale residents with the new Armenian population and as the influx expanded and grew, he became a critical conduit for advancing dialogue and creating positive change in Glendale community life.
Zarian’s active participation in civic life set the stage for others to follow and to become integral influencers in the city and beyond. The new crop of Armenian-Americans seeking public office always looked to Zarian for guidance and leadership.
Especially commendable was his close working relationship with the ANCA-WR and its local Glendale Chapter, which honored him last year with the ANC-Glendale Leadership Award during its annual banquet. Throughout the years, he remained selfless in his efforts to advocate for the advancement of the Armenian Cause by assisting our organization on local, state, regional and national levels.
His advocacy on behalf of all aspects of the Armenian Cause did not cease when his tenure ended at the Glendale City Council. In fact, he became an even more integral force in the community by mentoring future generations of Armenians and guiding them toward effective advocacy and public service all while remaining visible and active in community life.
Zarian will be missed not only from the public stage, but also from the ANCA family. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to serve many generations of Armenians to come.
Once again, the ANCA-WR offers its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Larry Zarian and to the entire community at large.
ANC-Glendale Mourns Tragic Death of Larry Zarian
The Armenian National Committee of Glendale mourns the tragic passing of former Glendale Mayor Lary Zarian and extends its deepest and most sincere condolences to the Zarian family and all the residents of Glendale.
“We join with all Glendalians in mourning the loss of Mayor Zarian and in sending our deepest condolences to his family and long list of friends and colleagues,” stated ANC Glendale Executive Director Elen Asatryan. “Mayor Zarian will forever be remembered as an exemplary leader of our great city whose tireless efforts impacted countless lives and forever changed the transportation system. He will truly be missed,” added Asatryan.
Mayor Zarian, a Glendale resident for over five decades, was a family man, retired businessman, public servant, community leader, radio talk show host, and most recently one of the most successful local cable television talk show producers and hosts in the Los Angeles area.
Zarian was elected to the Glendale City Council in 1983 serving 16 years on the Council – four terms as Mayor. As Mayor, he was instrumental in the start up of transportation in the city’s local shuttle (Beeline) as well as the establishment of the Veteran’s Memorial. During his four Council terms, he served as Transportation Representative for eight North County cities on the League of Cities and was involved in many of the negotiations of the Burbank/Glendale/Pasadena Airport and its vital role in southern California. His involvement on critical transportation and highway issues continued when President Reagan appointed Zarian to the National Highway Safety Commission to work alongside Secretary of Transportation Elizabeth Dole in 1986. He served on the commission for four years.
Included in a long list of public service accomplishments, Zarian served as a member and Chairman of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Chairman and member of the State Regional Water Quality Control Board, Vice-Chair of the National Highway Safety Commission, and President of the Public Service Commission and the Glendale Planning Commission. Most recently, Zarian served on the governing board of the Glendale Adventist Hospital and was a member of the Glendale Kiwanis, Glendale Association for the Retarded and the Glendale Chamber of Commerce. During its 2010 Annual Banquet, the Armenian National Committee of Glendale presented Zarian with the ANC Glendale Leadership Award for his strong leadership and unremitting efforts to better the Armenian-American community and the City of Glendale at large.
The Armenian National Committee-Glendale Chapter advocates for the social, economic, cultural, and political rights of the city’s Armenian American community and promotes increased civic participation at the grassroots and public policy levels.
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Larry Zarian was a giving person, a community leader and advocate, warm hearted and humble.
A great loss for Glendale/Burbank and all of us.
R.I.P. Larry Zarian , you were a true patriot!!!