John Paul Sarkisian’s name might not be familiar to everyone, but if you’ve heard of the singer and actress Cher, you’ve heard of his family. He was her father, and his life had ups and downs before it came to an end. People often wonder how he died, when it happened, and what kind of life he lived. This article will explain his story in a way that’s easy to understand and will clear up common questions.
Who Was John Paul Sarkisian?
John Paul Sarkisian was an American man of Armenian descent, best known for being the father of the famous singer and actress Cher. He was born in 1926 and grew up in California. His life wasn’t in the spotlight like his daughter’s, but he had an interesting personal story. He worked as a truck driver, and over his life, he faced personal challenges, including struggles with alcohol and his relationships.
Even though he wasn’t famous for a career in entertainment, his connection to Cher made people curious about him. Cher didn’t live with her father full-time as a child, but she did talk about him in interviews, sometimes sharing fond memories and sometimes describing the difficulties in their relationship. This mix of emotions makes John Paul Sarkisian’s life interesting to those who follow Cher’s personal history.
How Did John Paul Sarkisian Die?
John Paul Sarkisian died from health-related causes in 1985. Reports say his death was connected to long-term health problems, which may have been made worse by his lifestyle. He wasn’t in the public eye much at the time, so there were no big media headlines about it, but for his family, especially Cher, it was a personal loss.
The exact medical cause hasn’t been widely publicized, but it is understood that his health had been declining before his death. Cher herself has sometimes spoken about her father’s life and death in interviews, noting both the challenges and the good memories.
When Did John Paul Sarkisian Pass Away?
John Paul Sarkisian passed away in 1985, when he was 59 years old. His death happened decades before Cher’s mother, Georgia Holt, passed away in 2022.
While 59 may seem young, especially today, in the 1980s it was sadly more common for men with certain health problems to pass away before reaching their seventies. For his family, his passing marked the end of a complicated but important chapter.
His Last Days
In his final days, John Paul Sarkisian was dealing with ongoing health issues. He wasn’t living a celebrity lifestyle; instead, his life was relatively private. Friends and relatives have shared that his health struggles were serious, and his family knew he wasn’t well.
Cher, who was busy with her career at the time, was aware of her father’s condition but didn’t often speak publicly about the details. The focus remained on family privacy rather than public announcements.
Where He Was at the Time
At the time of his death, John Paul Sarkisian was living in Fresno, California. This was far from Hollywood’s busy scene. Fresno was where he spent his final years, and it was a quieter environment compared to the fast-paced life of Los Angeles.
He had lived in several parts of California during his life, but in the end, Fresno became his final home.
What Happened After His Death
After John Paul Sarkisian’s death, there wasn’t much national media coverage. His passing didn’t make major headlines because he was not a public figure in entertainment or politics. However, within his family, it was a significant event.
For Cher, losing her father was emotional, even though they hadn’t always been close. Family members and friends attended private services, and his memory lived on through personal stories and the legacy of being part of Cher’s life story.
What Was His Life Like Before He Died?
Before his death, John Paul Sarkisian lived a life with both highs and lows. He had been married to Cher’s mother, Georgia Holt, though their marriage did not last. In fact, they married and divorced more than once, showing the complexity of their relationship.
He worked different jobs during his life, with trucking being his main occupation. He wasn’t a wealthy man, and his lifestyle was more working-class than glamorous. Like many people, he faced personal struggles, including drinking problems, which Cher has mentioned when discussing her childhood.
Even so, John Paul Sarkisian had moments of joy, especially when spending time with his family. Cher has shared that despite the difficulties, her father had charm and personality, and those who knew him remembered his humor.
What Did People Say About His Death?
When John Paul Sarkisian died, the reaction was mostly private. He was not widely known outside of being Cher’s father, so there were no big public statements from celebrities or politicians.
Cher did acknowledge his death in interviews later on, often speaking about how it made her reflect on her own family history. She didn’t dwell on the details publicly, but it’s clear that his passing affected her.
Those who knew him personally described him as someone who had challenges in life but also had a softer side that people close to him appreciated.
Remembering John Paul Sarkisian
Remembering someone is about more than the way they died — it’s about the life they lived and the impact they had on those around them.
How Cher Remembered Him
Cher’s relationship with her father was complicated. In interviews, she has talked about both the difficulties and the good moments. She once mentioned that she wished she could have spent more time with him and that she sometimes wondered how different things might have been if their relationship had been closer.
Her memories of him included his personality, his sense of humor, and the unique way he spoke and carried himself. These personal touches made her remember him not just as her father, but as a person with his own story.
Stories Shared by Friends
Friends of John Paul Sarkisian have shared stories about his sense of humor and his ability to connect with people. He was known to enjoy conversation and could make people laugh even during hard times.
They also recalled that he took pride in his Armenian heritage and sometimes talked about his background. These cultural ties were important to him and influenced the way he saw the world.
Where He Was at the Time
When he passed away, as mentioned earlier, John Paul Sarkisian was living in Fresno. This is where friends and some relatives remembered visiting him. It wasn’t the glamorous world of Los Angeles or the excitement of a music tour — it was a quieter place where he lived out his final years.
Thoughts on His Life and Death
Looking at John Paul Sarkisian’s life and death, it’s clear that he was a man who had both struggles and strengths. His story reminds us that every person is more than their mistakes or challenges. He was a father, a worker, a friend, and a person with dreams and disappointments.
His death in 1985 closed the chapter on his personal journey, but his influence continues through his daughter Cher, whose life and career have touched millions.
The Bottom Line
John Paul Sarkisian’s life may not have been famous, but it mattered deeply to those who knew him. He was born in 1926, lived through decades of change, and passed away in 1985 at the age of 59. His death came after years of health problems, and while it didn’t make headlines, it left a mark on his family’s history.
When we ask “How did John Paul Sarkisian die?”, the answer is tied to more than just the cause of death — it’s about understanding the man he was, the life he lived, and the people he left behind.
