Press Releases
TARZANA, CA—The Tognozzi Family of Tarzana, California has recently established the Marc Tognozzi Memorial Fund through The Paros Foundation to memorialize the untimely passing of their son Marc to benefit charitable projects in Armenia.
“With the creation of the Fund in Marc’s memory, I am hoping to be able to fund projects through The Paros Foundation that fall within my son’s passion for children, education and his love of Armenia.” Said Marc’s mother, Esther (Chelebian) Tognozzi.
The Fund has already allocated support to several of The Paros Foundation’s 100 for 100 projects for prosperity to recognize the upcoming centennial of the Armenian Genocide. Through the Adopt-a-Classroom project, a classroom in the village of Hatsik in Armenia’s Armavir Region was completely remodeled including new doors and windows, window blinds, electrical upgrades, flooring, paint, chalkboards and desks for the children in memory of Marc. In addition, via the Keep Warm initiative, more than 50 families living in extreme poverty in Armenia’s Shirak Region will receive a one-month allocation of firewood for heating and cooking. Finally through the Share-a-Pair Winter Boots project, more than 400 needy children will receive warm winter boots this year.
Marc Antony Tognozzi was born and baptized to Jan and Esther (Chelebian) Tognozzi on April 27, 1985 in Tarzana, California.
Marc enthusiastically celebrated his Italian and Armenian ancestry with all the culture, traditions and cuisine of each. He enjoyed school, travel especially to Armenia and Kessab, outdoor adventure, camping, fishing, and working in the family business. At age 15 he completed the U.S Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program including a full coronation ceremony at the Coronado Naval Base in San Diego. Marc then joined the California Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol program and served dutifully at Southern California air show events as a uniformed cadet. By age 17 he also completed and earned many Boy Scout merits and badges as a member of the local Armenian chapter throughout his youth.
Marc Antony Tognozzi passed away abruptly at 28 years of age. Marc is survived by his mother and father, sisters Nyree and Danielle, and his beautiful fiancée Alina. Marc was the oldest of 12 grandchildren and the second oldest of his 11 first cousins. He remained closely bonded to his grandparents his four aunts and three uncles in his own perceptive way.
Donations to the Marc Tognozzi Memorial Fund are accepted online at parosfoundation.org/marc-tognozzi-fund. Or via mail to: The Paros Foundation, 918 Parker Street, Suite A14, Berkeley, CA 94710. The Paros Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. All contributions to The Paros Foundation are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.