[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 139 (Tuesday, August 27, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1078]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





          HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF KENNETH ABRAHAMIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 27, 2019

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to 
the life of Mr. Kenneth Abrahamian. Kenneth was a distinguished 
military veteran and community member in Fresno, California. He will be 
greatly missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
  Kenneth was born on November 21, 1923 to Abraham and Aurora 
Abrahamian, Armenian immigrants who came to the United States in search 
of the American dream. He was raised in Rolinda, California, where hard 
work was instilled in him from a young age. Kenneth graduated from 
Central Union High School in 1941 and began working at the Mare Island 
Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, California. He worked on building WWII 
submarines, before enlisting in the United States Navy at the age of 
18. He served on the USS Spangler and USS Ajax.
  After returning home from military service, he met and married the 
love of his life, Isabelle Zadurian. They were happily married for 72 
years and were parents to three children. Kenneth began to farm during 
the day and attended night school to become a plumber. Throughout his 
career, he worked on numerous projects throughout the Central Valley, 
such as the San Louis Project, Balsam Meadows Hydroelectric Project and 
was a proud member of Local 246 for 70 years. However, as his farming 
operation expanded, he eventually returned to farming full time.
  Kenneth was active in the Kearney Park community. He forged many 
lifelong friendships and was well-liked and respected. Kenneth was a 
proud member in his church, Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church. 
Madam Speaker, I would like to note the Abrahamian family were dear 
friends of my parents and me. As a young boy, I have fond memories of 
spending time with their family and growing up with their children. It 
was also a pleasure to be able to be a part of what Kenneth called ``a 
trip of a lifetime,'' in which he traveled to Washington, DC, for the 
Central Valley Honor Flight. My office also worked to secure his well-
earned medals from his time in the service.
  Kenneth was preceded in death by his infant son, and brothers, 
Gabriel, Leon, and Richard. He is survived by his wife, Isabelle, their 
children Jeanette, Patricia, and Kenneth, his grandchildren, great-
grandson and many beloved friends and family members.
  Madam Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in 
the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Mr. Kenneth Abrahamian. 
It is my honor to join his family and many friends in celebrating his 
life.

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