The family and friends of Sarkis Manoukian are mourning his loss, a business owner who passed away only one day after his mother, according to a statement issued by his family. Manoukian died unexpectedly June 23, his family said. Sadly, his mother had passed away just one day earlier.
Manoukian owned and operated Norm’s Automotive, a well known automotive shop in Los Al known and respected by his many customers throughout the city, including city officials, the Los Al PD and many others were heartbroken to hear about his death.
His wife Carol Manoukian issued the following statement.
“Thank you all for the tremendous outpouring of love, support, and compassion as our family walks through the heartbreaking loss of both Sarkis and his mother – just one day apart. Your kindness has carried us through an unimaginable time, and we are deeply grateful.
In light of these recent losses, we will be closing at 12:00 p.m. Friday, July 11th. We will be closed Saturday, July 12th, and will reopen on Monday, July 14th at 7:00 a.m.
We also want to share something deeply meaningful to us: our sons, David and Michael, have made the courageous and selfless decision to leave their lives and business in Austin, Texas, to return home and carry on their father’s legacy. Sarkis built this business with heart, integrity, and a relentless commitment to doing right by every customer. David and Michael are committed to honoring that same spirit, and to making their dad proud.
In the coming weeks, they will begin implementing a new computer system designed to streamline and modernize our operations – but as with any transition, this will take time. For now, we will be limiting our workload and focusing on smaller jobs as we prepare to lay our loved ones to rest, allow the boys time to wrap up responsibilities in Texas, and help them transition home permanently.
Many of you may remember that David worked closely with his dad until moving to Texas to earn his Master’s degree in Geoscience, and Michael was by his father’s side every day until three years ago, when he joined David in launching their own venture. Their return now is a full-circle moment – one grounded in love, duty, and devotion.
We kindly ask for your patience and understanding during this time. We will be back to full operations as soon as possible, and you have our word that the business Sarkis built will continue with the same honesty, care, and compassion that defined his every day. It’s not just in our plans – it’s in our blood.
Later this summer, we will be holding a Celebration of Life in honor of Sarkis – an opportunity for all who knew and loved him to come together and remember the incredible man he was. It will be open to the public, and details will be shared throughout the community as the date approaches.
Thank you for standing with us during this time. Your support means more than words can express.
Thank you, from our entire family.”