Former Glendale mayor Larry Zarian dies of cancer

PanARMENIAN.Net - Larry Zarian - a former mayor and the first Armenian American to be elected to the Glendale City Council- died of blood cancer Thursday at Glendale Adventist Medical Center.

His family said in a statement that Zarian - who also had his own local cable show, “The Larry Zarian Forum” - was surrounded by relatives and friends as his favorite Frank Sinatra songs played at the time of his death, which was caused by aggressive multiple myeloma, a disease he kept secret from many.

“He cherished the gift of each day; he loved deeply and was loved deeply in return,” his family said in the statement. “He truly made a difference.”

In 1983, Zarian became the first Armenian American elected to the Glendale City Council, where he served for 16 years. He served four terms as mayor, earning the nickname, “The People’s Mayor.”

The 73-year-old also served as a board member for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and as a state transportation commissioner.

“Larry said he would never retire, as he had a firm belief that no one ever reaches the top of his potential,” his family said. “Larry was constantly seeking out what more he could do to help the city and the greater community be better.”

His public service was recognized by presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush, and governors George Deukmejian, Pete Wilson and Arnold Schwarzenegger, according to the city.

“He was just dynamic in every facet of his life,” said Councilman Ara Najarian. “He was always happy, always energetic and always fun to be around.”

Zarian also served on Glendale Adventist Medical Center’s governing body. The hospital plans to fly the flag at half mast Friday morning in his honor, Glendale News-Press reported.