Obituary: Harry Kullijian, Carol Channing's Husband, Dies At Age 91

The Channing-Kullijian Foundation has released an official obituary for Harry Kullijian, Carol Channing's husband. As Broadwayworld previously reported, Kullijian passed away yesterday at the age of 91. 

Obituary for Harry Kullijian
Born:December 27th, 1919 in Turlock, CA
Died: December 26th, 2011 in Rancho Mirage, CA

Co-founder of the Dr. Carol Channing and Harry Kullijian Foundation for the arts and husband of the legendary Broadway legends and screen icon, passed away today at Eisenhower Medical Cenrter in Rancho Mirage, CA due to internal bleeding caused by an aneurysm The Carol & Harry romance is the subject of the soon to be released and critically acclaimed film by Tony Winner Dori Berinstein on Jan 20, 2012 entitled "Larger Than Life." Tirelessly dedicating his recent years to their dream of establishing support for Arts in education that ensured that youth will be exposed to the arts, that could then benefit them in other scholastic areas. The Channing/Kullijian Foundation established scholarships, produced a critically acclaimed PSA and inspired a resolution authored by Rep Jackie Speire, which passed the House and the Senate in Dec, 2010.

Harry went home to be with the Lord on December 26th 2012 in Rancho Mirage, CA. Son of James and Theresa Kullijian. Survived by two children, John Kullijian, of Richmond, TX., and Leslee “Missie” Fennell of Los Altos California; five grandchildren , Casey (Gary) Hill, Kelly (Chris) Confair and Tiffany (Sheldon) Epperly; and Jonathan and Thomas Fennell as well as 5 great-grandchildren. Family background including farming in Livingston CA., later Harry was raised and educated in San Francisco and entered the military in 1942 upon graduation from the University of San Francisco.

Several members of his father's were included in the 1914 genocide of Armenians while other family members moved to the US from Marsavan Turkey. Harry’s mother was born in Fresno, California in 1892. Her family emigrated from Turkey and became prominent farmers in California. Father James moved the family to San Francisco in 1923 and opened a tailor shop. His education was directed towards a law degree but the outbreak of World War II interrupted his entry into law school. He went directly into military service as an artillery officer. Harry and Gerry Amos were married in 1942. Harry earned three battle stars including China, Burma and India. He returned home and became a real estate broker and building contractor. A friend invited Harry and Gerry to an international convention of the Christian Businessmen Association. They received an invitation to receive Jesus Christ in September of 1947 and by faith they made that decision. In 1950, he was recalled to the European theater of operations during the Korean conflict. He returned to his birthplace following his tour of duty and began farming after a move to Modesto with his family in 1955. Harry became involved in many programs for social causes and community affairs. He later was elected to the Modesto City Council and served two terms.

Following his political career he entered an important phase of his life; the fight against pornography. Not a fight at all but a turning to morality, truth and decency. He was one of the founders of CLEAN (Citizens Leading Effective Action Now). Finding the will of God and carrying the will of God into the battle was the greatest revelation and truth in his life, giving him the opportunity to share with others that simple message of salvation. After the death of his wife, Gerry (June 2002), he was reunited with his junior high school sweetheart, Carol Channing. The two were married in May 2003 and in 2005 started the Dr. Carol Channing and Harry Kullijian Foundation for the Arts. This non-profit corporation was established to herald the return of arts in education to all public schools. As youngsters the two of them were influenced by poetry, music and dance and knew that the arts help children develop their self-worth and creativity as well as reduce drop-out rates. No services will be held.

In lieu of flowers please consider contributions to The Channing-Kullijian Foundation 101 First Street #555, Los Altos, CA 94022 (channingarts.org).

Photo Credit: BWW-Staff