Sam Paregian was born on August 2, 1927 in Philadelphia to John and Bertha Paregian. He was the middle child and had an older sister, Agnes and younger brother Abe.
His father, John, connected with some of their relatives who had already come to Fresno, California and established themselves in farming. With the intention of providing a better life for his young family, John closed his grocery store in Philadelphia and headed to Fresno ahead of his family to get established. In 1940 he sent for his wife and children who traveled by train to join him. John built Penn Market right next door to their family home and Sam worked at his dad’s market after school and on weekends while he was in high school. Later he worked at Pep Boys, Earl Scheib sanding cars.
After graduating from Roosevelt High school Sam enlisted in the Navy during the tail end of World War II and was stationed in the South Pacific. He never saw action, but wished he had.
After being honorably discharged he returned to Fresno and once again worked at the family’s grocery store while earning a Bachelor’s degree at Fresno State. He paid for college by raising two thousand laying hens for egg production. He teamed up with a college classmate to cleverly design chicken houses with a unique system that allowed the hens to be raised up and the eggs to roll down for collection. Additionally, in the evenings he worked as a night watchman.
Despite the fact his parents could afford to pay for his education Sam chose to work to cover his expenses and contribute to the family. He felt that his parents worked hard, provided and encouraged him, and he wanted to do his part
After graduating from Fresno State he attended UCSF School of Dentistry from 1951-1955 in San Francisco. While in school he worked at the US Post Office during Christmas break, helped his brother-in-law as a surveyor, and worked at a research and hepatitis lab.
After graduation he enlisted in the Air Force but was waitlisted so he went to work in Los Angeles at what was then called an “Advertising Dentist” and gained invaluable experience with dental surgery.
In the Air Force he was promoted to captain and continued to practice dentistry in Guam for two years before opening his own dental practice in Fresno, and then another practice with a partner. Realizing there was an overabundance of dentists already established in Fresno, he closed his practice and went back to school to pursue a master’s degree in orthodontics at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Hackensack, New Jersey.
During his final semester he sent for Geraldine whom he had met through relatives previously and later worked for him at the dental office. Later they were married at St. Thomas Armenian Church in Tenafly, New Jersey. During this time Geraldine helped Sam by typing his thesis paper and providing support.
The young couple settled in Modesto as Sam was part of an invitation-only Gnathology study group whose dentists had encouraged him to bring his level of skills to a region that had very few Orthodontists.
In downtown Modesto Sam opened his first Orthodontic office, then later in a popular outdoor shopping center called McHenry Village. Sam worked hard but building a practice took time. While he was building his practice he had the privilege of working with an experienced orthodontist by the name of Dr. Benjamin Ichinose in San Francisco, who also served as his mentor.
From Sam’s early days in Fresno working with his father, he knew he wanted to be a farmer too someday. He bought his first property with a small home on the outskirts of town, and soon after bought a second property on the same road, ultimately making farming his fall back career. With his growing family they moved to his current home a few years later on Patterson road.
Sam grew wine grapes, walnuts and almonds commercially and grew dozens of other fruits and vegetables for distribution for family and friends.
At this point farming and orthodontics were intertwined in his daily life, and he started and ended each day farming. The balance and challenges of both occupations he found satisfying and rewarding.
He went on to open McHenry Village Dental Service which was a dental clinic and a new concept at the time. He was also a partner in a Dental Insurance company.
Sam was committed to working with patients, many of which were multi-generational. He continued to take professional development courses to keep current with the latest orthodontic practices.
His passions were far and wide. Dentistry, farming, land development, coming up with new innovative products, learning new skills, repairing or restoring everything from cars, to daughter Sherrie’s shoes. “If in doubt, ask Dad.”
With everything he pursued he approached it with perfection even in his last days. He was also an inspiration to many whether it was a long time relationship or a first time meeting. His life’s motto: “Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained.”
As a Christian we take comfort in knowing that he is reunited with his beloved parents, siblings and relatives.
Sam is survived by Geraldine Paregian, daughters: Keely, Sherrie and Michelle, grandchildren: Dmitri and Athena, Margie Paregian, the Morjig, Devletian and Tascian families and countless friends and colleagues who considered him a part of their family.
To send a flower arrangement in memory of Sam Paregian, please click here. — Article courtesy of Farewell Funeral Service
