Philip V. Sarkisian

Dec. 2, 1939 - Feb. 24, 2018

Philip Vahan Sarkisian, 78, of Oakland, CA, passed away from pancreatic cancer at his daughter’s home in Los Angeles, surrounded by his family, on February 24th, 2018. He is survived by his wife of 53 years Barbara Collinge Sarkisian, daughters Catherine Sarkisian and Elizabeth Sarkisian, sonin-laws Mitchell Wong and Daniel Cohen, grandchildren Claudia Wong, Philip (JP) Wong, Milton Cohen and Nathaniel Cohen, and brother Richard Sarkisian.

Philip Sarkisian was born in Sacramento, the son of Milton and Agnace (Peg) Sarkisian. Considering but rejecting medical and engineering careers, he studied political science at Stanford and law at Boalt Hall. He practiced civil law in Sacramento and worked as an administrative law judge in Los Angeles and San Francisco before Gov. George Deukmejian appointed him to the Alameda County Municipal Court in 1984. In 1986 he was appointed to the Alameda County Superior Court where he presided over hundreds of criminal cases, including several capital offense trials. He served as Presiding Judge for 2 years when the Municipal and Superior courts were merged. Sarkisian said that his work never felt like a job, he enjoyed every day spent on the bench. Though he officially retired in 2004, he continued to serve as a judge in San Francisco and Alameda Counties until November, 2017.

Sarkisian was an avid reader and traveller, and particularly enjoyed his annual trips to Germany, often returning to the town near Stuttgart where he studied during his college years. He enjoyed many hours on the golf course with his friends at Claremont Country Club where he also served 2 years as president. He is remembered for his sharp intelligence, dry wit, and easy going nature. A dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great pal to so many, Sarkisian often expressed gratitude for what he felt was a very rich life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sarkisian’s honor to the Oak Tree Fund, care of Claremont Country Club, 5295 Broadway Terrace, Oakland, CA 94618 or to the Boys and Girls Club of Oakland, http://www.bgcoakland. org, or the charity of your choice.