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Stanley Robert Surabian, DDS JD was born in Berkeley, California on April 30, 1944. He passed away in Clovis on June 15, 2026 at the age of 82. The Surabian family’s story begins in Reedley, California with John and Mary and their young son, John Jr. When the war came, the family moved to Berkeley, where John worked as a supervisor in ship construction. It was there in 1941 that their son Stan was born, beginning a life that would eventually circle back to the Central Valley. When the war ended, the family returned to Fresno and settled on a familiar street—one shared with both grandmothers. In a home filled with Armenian language and tradition, Stan grew up surrounded by family roots that ran deep, even as both grandmothers spoke only Armenian, keeping culture and heritage alive in the household. Stan attended McLane High School, where fate introduced him to Cheryl. As the story goes, she was first drawn to his 1954 Ford, but what followed became something far more enduring. They were married in 1965 and soon moved to Los Angeles so Stan could attend the USC School of Dentistry. Their family began to grow quickly. David was born in 1969, arriving just a month before Stan graduated dental school, Robert followed in 1971, and Tracie completed the family in 1978. Stan’s professional life was marked by steady dedication and an uncommon vision. After graduating from the USC School of Dentistry in 1969, and that same year, he opened his first dental office while also working part-time at Valley Medical Center alongside Dr. Clifford Jew. Much later he was compelled to study law and went on to graduate from San Joaquin College of law. It was at the hospital that Stan’s ideas began to take shape. He believed newly graduated dentists needed more real-world experience—especially in treating complex patients and learning to work in an operating room setting. From that belief came a residency program in general dentistry. In 1975, that vision became reality when the first two residents—Dr. John Buck and Dr. Ron Sani—joined the program. What began as a small initiative grew steadily over the years and now trains ten residents annually working out to more than 200 resident trained through the program.. Using his J.D. degree, he was also able to offer ethics and law courses for dental professionals, helping others better understand the responsibilities and standards of their profession. Stan’s work at Valley Medical Center—later renamed University Medical Center—became a defining part of his career. As departments transitioned to Community Medical Center, his own was the last to move into the Deran Koligian Ambulatory Care Center, where the Dental Department was ultimately named in his honor. He served as Chief of Dental Services until 2019, leaving behind a legacy of service, leadership, and mentorship. Beyond his hospital work, Stan was deeply involved in his profession, serving in leadership roles with the Fresno-Madera Dental Association, the California Dental Association, and the American Dental Association, approaching every task and all committee work with depth and clarity, whether in patient care, program development or teaching At home, he found joy in family and in simple adventures. At age 34, he took up go-kart racing with his sons, embracing the heat and dust of the Valley tracks. His first race ended abruptly when another driver ran into him from behind, sending him over his helmet. It was his first and last race—but not his sons’. They went on to compete and win championships across California and the western United States. Later, after cervical disk surgery, Stan stepped away from mechanics, but never from family or community. He remained a devoted member of Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church, serving in many capacities over the years. Of all his roles—dentist, educator, leader, and community member—perhaps his most cherished was that of grandfather. He delighted in his six grandsons: Matthew, Johnathan, Ethan, Wesley, Zachary, and Blake. Whether it was wrestling matches, basketball games, or soccer played in pouring rain on muddy fields, he was there—steadfast, present, and proud. Stan is survived by his wife Cheryl, with whom he would have celebrated 62 years of marriage this coming Friday; his children David, Robert (and wife Jennifer), and Tracie; and his beloved grandsons, who continue the family’s story into the next generation.

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Stanley R. Surabian DDS JD

April 27, 1944 - June 15, 2026