The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region mourns the passing of Larry Zarian, the first Armenian-American elected to the Glendale City Council.

Glendale’s first Armenian-American mayor Larry Zarian passed away Thursday at Glendale Adventist Medical Center, Asbarez reported.

ANCA-WR offers condolences to his family, friends and the entire Armenian-American community.

His advocacy on behalf of all aspects of the Armenian Cause did not cease when his tenure ended at the Glendale City Council. In fact, he became an even more integral force in the community by mentoring future generations of Armenians and guiding them toward effective advocacy and public service all while remaining visible and active in community life, ANCA-WR said in a statement.

In 1983, Zarian became the first Armenian-American elected to the Glendale City Council, where he served for 16 years. He also served as a board member for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and as a state transportation commissioner. His public service was recognized by presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush, and governors George Deukmejian, Pete Wilson and Arnold Schwarzenegger, according to the city.