Sarkis "Sam" CherkinianRacine- Sarkis "Sam" Cherkinian, 88, passed away at the Wisconsin Heart Hospital on Tuesday, March 16, 2010.Sarkis was born in Racine on January 6, 1922 to Kaloust and Lucy Cherkinian. He graduated from Wm. Horlick High School in 1940. Sarkis served with United States Army in the Pacific during WWII receiving a Purple Heart. He married Mary Jandegian in Racine on October 5, 1946. Sarkis was a police officer in Racine for 38 years retiring as a Lieutenant. He was an active member of St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church, volunteering his services wherever they were needed. Sarkis was a member of the V.F.W., a 50 year member of the Masonic Orders and 50 year member of the Knights of Vartan. He also volunteered at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare for many years. He is survived by his wife, Mary Cherkinian; daughter, Janet Cherkinian; cousins; Ardis (Ann) Cherkinian, Harry (Emmy) Cherkinian and Nancy (Rich) Hardesty and their children, Gregory and Matthew; and brother in law, Meyer Jandegian. Sarkis is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jack Cherkinian. Funeral services for Sarkis will be held at St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church, 4605 Erie Street, on Friday, March 19, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Yeprem Kelegian officiating. Interment will take place in Graceland Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church on Friday from 9:00a.m.until the time of services. Memorials to St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church have been suggested.Sarkis' family would like to thank the staff at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Dialysis East, Wheaton Franciscan Heart Hospital and the Cardiac Staff at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Healthcare for their wonderful and compassionate care.