Oscar Sarkisian

The Big O has joined a new Tuesday Poker Group - Oscar was born into Bedros and Noyem Sarkisian's family as their third son in Detroit, Michigan. His parents were Armenian immigrants who came to the United States after World War I. Oscar with his wife Martha (Pat) Ghoogasian, also the daughter of Armenian immigrants, had two children John and Tammy. Starting his career in a dental supply warehouse, Oscar's undeniable talent in sales propelled him to the top of the industry. For more than a decade, he held the #1 spot in sales nationally.

Oscar relocated from Michigan to Lake San Marcos in 1989 with his wife Pat, to be near their grandchildren. A close friend and restauranteur, Elia Nicholas, from Michigan helped Oscar, Pat, and Tammy open, Oscar's, a small Carmel Mountain Ranch take-out restaurant in 1991. Oscar's was an instant success which eventually grew to become the well-known Pat and Oscar restaurants with multiple locations throughout Southern California. Oscar was known as Mr. Breadstick; when the first restaurant opened he would stand in front of the Home Depot and give out breadsticks to everyone. Giving out sample breadsticks became the company's foundation for growth.

After selling Pat and Oscar's in 2000, Oscar and Pat traveled the country in their motorhome, he played poker every Tuesday evening, and spent time golfing and entertaining at the Lake San Marcos home they built with pride. Oscar was known for his humor; he could always make you smile with his funny stories and jokes. Pat and Oscar were excellent hosts and loved entertaining family and friends at their home.

Oscar's father Bedros, mother Noyem, and brothers John and Ara, predeceased him. Oscar is survived by his loving wife Pat, his son John and daughter-in-law Bernadette, daughter Tammy and son-in-law Darrell, grandchildren Mario and wife Jessica, Gino and wife Jillian, Lexie and husband Nick, and Vincent, Joseph, and Nicky, great-grandchildren Zephyr, Aero, Halo, Bella Mia, Jamison, Avery, and Owen.