Mr. Elliott D. Chielpegian

In his own words, "Just a simple kid from West Fresno," Elliott was born on October 26, 1935, in a bedroom of his parents' house on Kearney Boulevard. Elliott was the third and youngest child born to Armenian immigrants, Michiel and Florence Chielpegian, who owned and operated a small corner grocery store called Boulevard Market.

Ellliott attended St. Alphonsus Grammar School and graduated from San Joaquin Memorial High School in 1953. While at SJM, Elliott excelled as a student, played football and basketball, and served as senior class president.

Elliott continued his education at Santa Clara University, having never seen the campus prior to his arrival for the first day of classes. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science, cum laude, in 1957, Elliott remained at Santa Clara for law school, graduating in 1960. Elliott cherished the wonderful education he received from the Jesuit priests and lay professors at Santa Clara. In an effort to give back to Santa Clara, Elliott served as a Member of the Board of Fellows from 1973 to 1983 and as a Member of the law school Board of Visitors from 1997 until his passing.

In 1960, Elliott returned to Fresno. A few years later, in the parking lot of St. John's Cathedral after Sunday Mass, he met the love of his life, Agnes Mathiesen. Elliott and Agnes were married in 1969 and had two sons, Michael and Mark.

Elliott practiced law in Fresno for over 50 years. In 1979, Elliott started his own firm, the Law Offices of Elliott D. Chielpegian. Following in their father's footsteps, his sons returned to Fresno to practice law with Elliott and the name of the firm was changed to Chielpegian Law Offices. Known throughout the Valley as an attorney of skill and integrity, Elliott never once lost sight of the fact that the practice of law is a profession, and to him that meant always putting the needs of his clients first.

Elliott was an early member of San Joaquin Country Club. He served as club president in 1976. Although he never quite mastered the game, he loved golf because of the unhurried time it allowed him to spend with Agnes, his sons and his many close friends. Elliott enjoyed watching sports, whether it was his grandchildren or his beloved San Francisco Giants. Despite the constant nagging from his family and doctors, Elliott loved to eat. Some of his favorites included salami, Italian sausage, hamburgers, hot dogs, traditional Armenian foods, and homemade ice cream. Jazz also brought much joy to Elliott's life.

Elliott's family will be forever grateful for the skill and compassion exhibited by the doctors and nurses at Stanford Medical Center, St. Agnes Hospital and Hinds Hospice during Elliott's final illness, especially Dr. Chooljian, Dr. Chambers, Dr. Hackett, Dr. Wakelee, and Dr. Loo.

Elliott was preceded in death by his parents, Michiel and Florence Chielpegian; sister, Doris Chielpegian; sister in law, Juanita Normart; and brother in law, Joseph Marcelli.

Elliott is survived by his devoted wife, Agnes; son, Michael and his wife Laura; son, Mark; grandchildren, Matthew, Lucy, Gaby, and Cate; sister, Betty Marcelli; and many other loving relatives.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home at 1525 E. Saginaw Way from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 24, 2012.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, at 5770 N. Maroa, on Tuesday, September 25, 2012, at 10:00 a.m.

Graveside Services will be private.

Remembrances may be made to Hinds Hospice, 1616 W. Shaw Avenue, Fresno, Ca 93711 or St. Agnes Foundation, 1111 E. Spruce Avenue, Fresno, Ca 93720.