John H. Siroonian

July 30, 1939 - March 26, 2008

“Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness;

Let us exalt his name together.

I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me,

Freeing me from from all my fears…”

Psalm 34; Verse 2

John Haig Siroonian of Newport Beach, California went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 26, 2008. John was born and raised in Fresno, California to Haig and Annie Siroonian and graduated from Central Union High School.

John married Sandy Astone in 1963, and they shared 22 wonderful years together. They had three girls, Julie Mumma, and Stacey Garcia of Fresno and Shelley Benedict of Newport Beach.

John will be remembered by many for his accomplishments and successes in the wheel business. He was a true Horatio Alger story. John started making wheels in his garage in his early years and through his perseverance and determination he made Western Wheel one of the greatest success stories of Fresno in the late 1970’s.

After selling Western Wheel to Rockwell International in 1977, John went on to become a land developer and health club owner. He had several businesses including a truck brokerage, chrome wheel plating, engine pistons and a property management company.

John had many interests and was an avid collector. He was widely known for his car collecting of 1932 and 1934 Ford and Phaeton Hot Rods in addition to 1965 and 1967 Corvettes. His passion for all things related to cars extending to racing. John raced many things, from hard tops at Kearney Bowl in the 1960’s to Blown Fuel Hydro Boats in the 1970’s and Sprint cars in the 1980’s.

John is survived by his former wife Sandy Siroonian; and his three children, Julie Mumma, Stacey Garcia and Shelley Benedict, and their spouses Todd Mumma, Lee Garcia and Jon Benedict; four grandchildren, Madison and Montanna, and Calee and Payton Garcia. John is also survived by his siblings, Sam Siroonian and his wife Sara, Eunice Karayan, and Lois Rock and her husband Henry; and his many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held in The G. L. Johnson Chapel at People’s Church, 7172 N. Cedar Avenue in Fresno on Thursday, April 3, 2008, at 11:00 a.m.

Remembrances may be made to Hoag Cancer Center, One Hoag Drive, P.O. Box 6100, Newport Beach, CA 92658; or National Cancer Coalition, 225 Hillsborough Street, Suite 280, Raleigh, NC 27603