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Larry Zarian
October 20, 1937 - October 13, 2011 |
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We are saddened to report Larry Zarian's passing. After a courageous battle, Mr. Zarian succumbed to aggressive multiple myeloma on Thursday, October 13 at 11:50 a.m.
In a family statement: "Larry was surrounded by relatives and friends as his favorite Frank Sinatra songs played at the time of his death. He cherished the gift of life each day. He loved deeply and was loved deeply in return."
Larry is survived by his sons Vincent, Lawrence, and Gregory; sister Rima and niece Ava; daughter-in-law Maria and grandsons Alexander and Christian.
A public celebration of his life will be scheduled, details to be announced.
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Mr. Zarian requested that donations in his honor be made to
the Armenian Society of Los Angeles, Glendale Adventist Medical Center,
the Glendale Kiwanis, and the Self-Aid Workshop. |
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LARRY ZARIAN began production of the Larry Zarian Forum in 2000. After many years of live radio, and decades of public service, Mr. Zarian understood the need for communities to exchange thoughts and opinions presented in a live format. The Larry Zarian Forum offered viewers a weekly source of information and the opportunity to take part in discussions with members of the U.S. Congress, local businessmen and community members, and many other community leaders. The popular show continued to grow through its eighth year until Mr. Zarian's passing.
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Larry Zarian, a Glendale, California resident for over five decades, was a family man, retired businessman, mayor of Glendale, public servant, community leader, radio talk show host, and one of the most successful local cable television talk show producers and hosts in the Los Angeles area.
His untiring work in public service has been recognized by such elected officials as Governor and President Ronald Reagan, President George Bush, Governor George Deukmejian, Governor Pete Wilson, and most recently appointed to the State of California Transportation Commission by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Zarian was honored posthumously on November 30, 2011 when the Amtrak and Metrolink rail station at 400 W. Cerritos Avenue was renamed the Larry Zarian Transportation Center. |
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In 1984, Fred and Ron Beaton, former owners of radio station KIEV 870 AM, recognized Larry's talent for communication. The Beatons offered Zarian a weekly talk show, which Larry maintained for 16 years. |
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Zarian was awarded countless recognitions by numerous organizations throughout his many years of devoted service to the community. Most recently, the Greater Glendale Council on Aging awarded Larry for his Achievement in Helping the Advancement of Senior Citizens. Additionally, he was recognized by the Glendale Character and Ethics Project for his Service to the Community.
In 2003 the Glendale Chamber of Commerce honored Larry in a very special tribute as Patriot of the Year; the Verdugo Hills Boy Scouts of America presented him their Citizen of the Year Award; and the Glendale Adventist Medical Center Foundation presented him with the Erwin Remboldt Founder's Award as Philanthropist and Visionary Leader. |
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As one of southern California's distinguished and respected leaders, Larry Zarian had extensive experience serving on local, state, and national levels, which dates back over 30 years—most prominently in the area of transportation, highways and airports. His involvement on critical transportation and highway issues began in 1986 when appointed by President Reagan to the National Highway Safety Commission working with Secretary of Transportation Elizabeth Dole. He served on the commission for four years. |
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Larry served six years for the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority as 2nd First Vice Chair and two years as Chair, during its most critical period, successfully bringing together a divided Authority to work as a team that built a class-one transportation system. Zarian was able to negotiate union contracts without disruption by working with all sides, and was instrumental in devising the continued efforts in the high-speed rail during his tenure on the MTA. Larry was one of Governor Wilson and Speaker Herzberg's appointees to the Commission on the 21st Century, examining the make up of the State of California county by county, which involved transportation. |
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Zarian was elected to the Glendale City Council in 1983, replacing incumbent Mayor Carl Messeck, and continued winning three re-elections serving 16-years on the Council—four terms as Mayor. Zarian was instrumental in the start up of the City of Glendale's transportation shuttle (Beeline), and continuing at the county level. During his four city council terms, Zarian was involved in many of the negotiations related to the Burbank/Glendale/Pasadena Airport and its critical role in southern California. He served as Transportation Representative for eight North County cities on the League of Cities.
Included on 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. He searved as a board member for the Glendale Adventist Hospital; the Glendale Planning Commission; and many more community membership positions. Larry Zarian demonstrated a loyal commitment and love for the United States, and he served the Glendale, California community tirelessly until his death.
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| Larry Zarian and his sons, Lawrence, Vincent, and Gregory |
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