Citrus grower and packer Albert Surabian has died in Dinuba, Calif. He was 100.
Surabian headed operations at Dinuba-based S. Surabian & Sons Packing Co. from the mid-1960s with his son Sam Surabian II, and later also with another son, Albert E. Surabian.
He died at his home Feb. 16.
“He never did retire,” Albert E. Surabian said. “He was a farmer all his life. He worked well up into his 80s.”
Albert Surabian began his career in the family farming operation with his father, Sam Surabian, and his brother Edward Surabian. Later the brothers grew table grapes in Litchfield Park, Ariz. Albert retained the California operations after their father’s death.
About 11 years ago, S. Surabian & Sons Packing converted its growing, packing and shipping operations from stone fruit to citrus.
Surabian collaborated with the city of Dinuba on development of the Surabian Industrial Park, where Ruiz Foods became the anchor business. The Dinuba Chamber of Commerce named him Citizen of the Year in 2005.
Besides his two sons, survivors include three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A private graveside service was planned. Memorial donations were to be sent to the Dinuba Lions Club or to the Alta District Historical Society, Dinuba. He was the last surviving charter member of that Lions Club.
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