Arthur Kalunian

Arthur Kalunian of Modesto passed away August 22, 2014 at the age of 98. Arthur was the third child and only son born to parents Anna and Sumpad Kalunian in Providence, Rhode Island on November 16, 1915. With his sisters Betty, Jeanette, and Blanche, the family moved to Fresno, CA when he was young. The family owned a farm and Arthur attended public school and college. Arthur graduated from Fresno State earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. He worked as an accountant after graduating from college while studying for the CPA exam in San Francisco. World War II came along and he enlisted in the Army and serviced in New Guinea. After being honorably discharged from the service, Arthur married the love of his life, Florence Kalunian, in January 1946. Arthur continued to study for the CPA exam while working in San Francisco, after the war. He passed the exam on April 28, 1947 and received his CPA license. Before the war, Arthur worked summers for his uncles who owned the Dry Yards in Modesto. After he and Florence were married, they thought Modesto would be a good town to stat a CPA practice and raise a family. Art and Florence moved to Modesto in November 1947 and established his accounting practice. Art was the second CPA in Modesto. In 1948, son David was born and in 1953 daughter Ellen completed the family. Florence assisted Arthur comparing and checking tax forms in the early years of the accounting practice. The practice grew over the years and his son David joined the firm in 1975. Arthur was a member of various professional organizations including the Masons. Arthur did not have many hobbies, but he loved reading the Wall Street Journal and dabbling in the stock market. Arthur also was an avid fan of the San Francisco 49ers and Giants. On Sundays, Art would transform from a mild mannered CPA to a very active and boisterous fan. Art and Florence traveled extensively with many dear friends and family later in their lives. They visited China, Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, Canada, the Panama Canal, Europe, and the United States. Arthur was a very astute businessman and was well respected in the business community. Art continued to come into the office until the age of 92. He cherished his family above all else. His loving wife Florence passed away April 17, 2014 after 68 years of marriage. Arthur is survived by his two children, David (Kathy) Kalunian and Ellen (Ken) Reed. Arthur loved his two grandchildren, Breanna and Victoria immensely and was proud of their accomplishments. Arthur was a first generation American who was a patriot and loved his country. For his service in WWII, he received the Patriot Medal of Honor in January 2014. Arthur was a class act and a real gentleman. A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 28 at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd., in Turlock. The funeral service will follow on Friday, August 29 at 11:00 a.m., also at Turlock Funeral Home with entombment at Turlock Memorial Park. Any donations in memory of Arthur may be made to the Masonic Lodge, 800 Rose Ave., Modesto, CA 95355 or the Salvation Army, 625 I St., Modesto, CA 95354

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Arthur Kalunian

August 22, 2014