Sam 'Sarkis' Paragamian Racine - Sam 'Sarkis' Paragamian, 82, passed away at Beverly Healthcare in Kenosha on Sunday, September 2, 2007. Sam was born in Racine on April 15, 1925 to Vahan and Satenig (nee, Halapian) Paragamian. He graduated from Wm. Horlick High School in 1943, entering the U.S. Army that same year. He served until 1945 during WWII in New Guinea and Luzon in the southern Philippines working in General Macarthur's Headquarters. He received the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal. Sam also served in the Wisconsin National Guard from 1950 until 1953. Sam retired from J.I. Case Company in 1980 after 33 years of service. He was foreman and Service Parts Supply. He was a member of St. Mesrob Armenian Church and the St. Mesrob Armenian Church Retiree's. He was also a member of the J.I. Case Twenty Year Club, Local 180 Retiree's, V.F.W. Post 1391 and the Racine Racing Pigeon Club. His hobbies included racing pigeons, fishing, hunting, dartball, playing cards and was a Packer fan. Survivors include his brothers, Perry (Patricia) Paragamian and Albert (Tillie) Paragamian; sister-in-law, Jo Paragamian; special nieces and nephews, Christine (Jon) Pappas, Terrie (Todd) Larson, Lisa (Jim) Mahanke, Brian (Jodi) Paragamian, Vaughn (Beth) Paragamian, Joy Paragamian and Debbie (Gary) Stelzer; great nieces and great nephews, Caitlin and Carly Larson, Christopher and Ericka Pappas, Cameron and Marissa Mahanke, and Jordan, Jake and Shelby Stelzer, Laura, Karin, and Jon Paragamian. Sam is also survived by other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Louis Paragamian. Funeral services for Sam will be held at St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church, 4605 Erie Street, on Friday, September 7, 2007 at 10 a.m. with Rev. Yeprem Kelegian officiating. Interment with Full Military Honors will follow at Graceland Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church on Friday morning from 9 a.m. until the time of services. Memorials may be directed to St. Mesrob Armenian Church or the American Lung Association. The family would like to extend a special thanks to asera care hospice for all of their compassionate care.