Mergeryos ("Mergo") Gostanian, 95, of Fresno, California, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on August 5, 1930, in Kharpert, Turkey, Mergo was the beloved son of Karekin and Nevart Kostan. He was raised alongside his siblings, Mari Mergerian, Onnig Gosdanian, and Zivart Momjian, in a close-knit Armenian family whose values of faith, perseverance, and devotion to family shaped the man he would become.

Mergo attended Robert College in Istanbul, Turkey, where he learned English and received an education that broadened his horizons and prepared him for a life of opportunity and service. In 1954, he was introduced to Meline Tchejeyan, and the two were married in Cairo, Egypt. Together they built a loving home and were blessed with two children, Gregory Krikor and Sonya Lynn.

Before his engagement, Mergo made a promise to his future father-in-law, Krikor Tchejeyan, that he would one day emigrate to the United States and establish his family there. In 1968, he fulfilled that promise.

In Turkey, Mergo and his brother owned and operated an automotive tire dealership and distributorship for Michelin Tires. Through hard work, integrity, and dedication to customer service, he built a respected and successful business. 

After arriving in the United States, he discovered relatives living in Fresno who had been separated from the family during the turmoil and displacement that affected Armenians in Turkey in the early twentieth century. Following a visit, he quickly grew to love the area and chose to make Fresno his home. There, he continued to work diligently and create opportunities for future generations.

Mergeryos was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 70 years, Meline Gostanian, with whom he shared a remarkable life marked by unwavering love, partnership, and devotion. Their marriage stood as a testament to enduring commitment, mutual respect, and the importance of family.

He was a devoted father to Gregory Krikor Gostanian of Fresno, California, and Sonya (Michael) Kalajian of Westford, Massachusetts. He was the proud grandfather of Ani (Reed) Stoecker of Newport Beach, California; Jaclyn (Grant) Estabrook of Irvine, California; Matthew Gostanian of Irvine, California; Tamar Gostanian of Fresno, California; Tyler Kalajian of Charleston, South Carolina; and Taleen Kalajian of Boston, Massachusetts.

He was also blessed with five cherished great-grandchildren—Jacob, Luke, Andrew, Emery, and Evie—who brought him immeasurable joy in his later years.

Mergeryos is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by his kindness, wisdom, and steady presence. He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, quiet strength, deep love for his family, and the dignity with which he lived his life. His legacy lives on through the generations he loved so deeply and through the family who will forever cherish his memory.

We will honor Dad with a private graveside blessing. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Your support and prayers during this time mean more than words can express.