Pete Esraelian, born November 12, 1932, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2026, at the age of 93. Pete was a lifelong resident of Selma and a respected community leader whose public and private career spanned more than 35 years in devoted service to the community he deeply loved.

Pete graduated from Selma High School in 1950, where he was a three-sport athlete, a member of two championship football teams, and a proud member of the Selma High School Marching Band, which performed in the 1950 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena. He continued his education at Reedley College, graduating in 1952. While attending Reedley College, Pete was a two-sport athlete and a member of a championship track team. He later earned his degree from California State University, Fresno in 1954 while also serving two years in the Fresno State Air Force ROTC program. Pete was especially proud to be the first member of his family to graduate from college.

In 1965, Pete became Selma City Administrator, serving simultaneously as City Clerk, Finance Officer, and Planning Officer. During his tenure, he modernized City Hall operations and advanced City Council meeting procedures, helping establish Selma as one of the leading rural cities in Fresno County. In 1978, Pete transitioned into banking, becoming Branch Manager and Vice President of the Selma branch of Guarantee Savings and Loan, later Glendale Federal Bank, where he served for 22 years until retirement. Retirement, however, did not slow Pete down for long. He later worked part-time as a crop insurance adjuster for Rural Crop Insurance Services (RCIS).

As if his professional and civic commitments were not enough, Pete also farmed a 20-acre Thompson raisin vineyard, a labor of love he faithfully maintained for nearly 45 years. Pete’s dedication to Selma extended far beyond his career. He served two terms as President of the Selma Chamber of Commerce beginning in 1964. He was instrumental in placing the iconic Highway 99 billboards proclaiming Selma as the “Raisin Capital of the World.” Pete also played a key role in bringing then-California Governor, later President of the United States, Ronald Reagan to Selma to speak at the annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet.

During his time as Chamber President, Pete co-founded and promoted the Selma Marching Band Festival, a beloved tradition that continues today on the last Saturday of October in downtown Selma. Pete received numerous honors throughout his life, including being named Selma Citizen of the Year in 1968 and Selma Distinguished Citizen of the Year in 1992. He was a 50-year member of Rotary International through the Selma Rotary Club, where he served as past president and earned recognition as a five-time Paul Harris Fellow. 

Pete also served as Trustee and Past President of the Consolidated Mosquito Abatement District, Chairman of the City of Selma’s 1980 Centennial Jubilee Celebration, charter member and Director Emeritus of the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame, past City of Selma Ambassador, two-time Selma Marching Band Festival Grand Marshal, two-time Selma Citizen of the Year, member of the Measure S Committee supporting tax revenue initiatives for police staffing and fire protection, member of the Caltrans Highway 99 Beautification Project through the Selma corridor, founder and chairman of the K.O. Graffiti Program in Selma, and Past Master of the Selma Triple X Armenian Men’s Fraternity.

Pete and his beloved wife, Dee Neece, were longtime faithful members of St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church in Fowler. Pete was married for 65 wonderful years to the love of his life, Dee Neece Esraelian, following what family members lovingly described as a storybook first date. Together, they traveled throughout the United States during retirement, always returning home to Selma, where Pete took special pride in maintaining his yard, especially his cherished sago palms. Pete’s love for Dee Neece remained as strong in his final days as it was at the beginning of their marriage. He was never shy about sharing the words engraved inside his wedding ring for 65 years: “One life, one love.”

Pete is survived by his devoted wife, Dee Neece Esraelian; his son, Jeff Esraelian and wife Flora of Fresno; his daughter, Stacey Anderson and husband Norm Anderson; his son, Randy Esraelian; and his four beloved grandchildren, Connor Esraelian, Carson Esraelian, McKay Anderson, and Cooper Anderson. Pete was one of five children born to Setrak and Anna Esraelian of Selma. He was preceded in death by his sister, Rose Bozigian, and his brothers, Charles and Sam Esraelian. His brother, Sarkis Esraelian, is his only surviving sibling.

Pete will be remembered for his unwavering love of family, steadfast faith, remarkable work ethic, and lifelong dedication to the Selma community. His legacy of service, leadership, humility, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

A viewing is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at Farewell - Page Funeral Chapel in Selma.

Funeral services will be held at St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3. 2026

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church, Hinds Hospice, or

Central Valley Community Foundation 1260 Fulton St. Suite 200, Fresno, Ca. 93721, Memo: Fowler Armenian Genocide Memorial Monument.