Art Astor

N. ARTHUR ASTOR | 1925-2016 It is fitting that December 7th, 2016 was the day Art Astor, World War II Veteran, passed away. Born Nubar Arthur Astor in Fresno, CA on April 16, 1925 to Armenian immigrant parents Arakelian and Shenorig Astor, Art lived a full life. Moving to Los Angeles at a young age, Art graduated from L.A. High in 1943. Soon after, he found himself the Tail-gunner for a B-17 crew serving 30 missions out of England. Upon his return, he attended USC on the ...GI Bill, served two years as a yell leader, was a part of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity and graduated in 1949. After a short stint in TV, Art pursued various jobs until finding broadcasting a career he would enjoy for almost 60 years. In the late 60's, Art was Sales Manager at Boss Radio KHJ at the height of it's popularity. Art became one of Southern California's preeminent broadcasters, owning his own group of stations 7 in all KIK FM being one of the most well known. Art was married to his love Antonia for more than 50 years until her passing in 2014. After starting their life in Los Angeles, they made Tustin their home in 1972. Together they raised three children: Laura Dame (Dave), Susan Gilchrist (John) and Kevin Astor (Diane) who gave him 9 grandchildren. Art’s hobby was collecting classic cars, antique radios, vintage telephones, watches and endless pieces of memorabilia he loved it all and loved to share it with others. One of his ultimate dreams was realized in donating a large portion of his collection to the City of Cerritos who will be opening the Cerritos Astor Museum next summer. Art knew he lived a blessed life working, driving, playing tennis and collecting well past his 91st birthday. Art touched a lot of lives during his 91 years and very few that met him, ever forgot him. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Ararat Home. See more

The charity has rescued over 900 animals trapped in litter since lockdown began.

For friends and family of Art Astor, here is a repost of our 2011 interview.

Chip and Lynne Foose with Art Astor.

#ILoveMyJob all the time - but some days, like today - I love it even more. Attended the #CerritosStateOfTheCity luncheon this afternoon. I expected to meet ne...w folks and businesses from the Cerritos Regional Chamber of Commerce . Sort of a normal meet and greet with a great lunch. However, I met a most amazing gentleman, Art Astor. Art has created a museum which houses the world’s largest collection of working and beautifully restored antique telephones and radios. He has wonderful collections of model trains, gas pumps, antique slot machines, pedal cars, movie memorabilia and other cool stuff" and is the President of Astor Broadcast Group. This is delightful in and of itself, but Mr. Astor is a local hero ~having flown 30 missions over Germany in WWII. Art is an excellent 91 years young! [Art is in the middle] Great human interest story coming up Brian Hews ! #AstorBroadcastGroup Astor Classics Event Center See more

Nice to find some old posts to include on the Art Astor page. Thanks for posting this back in 2011!

I was leaving to go to lunch for #tacotuesday on #nationaltacoday when this #studebaker with its toothy grin caught my eye. That's all. Now it's #tacotime ! #instacar #52studebaker #carsofinstagram #eventvenue #orangecountyca #cerritosca #carmuseum #eventspace

Get your #PinkPatch! Support #BreastCancerAwareness. #BPPD #BuenaParkPD

This 1933 Ford Woody Station Wagon is one of only around 900 produced. They were specifically built for train stations and ranchers. #antiqueford #1933ford #fordwoody #classiccarsdaily #classiccarsusa #ford #33ford #eventvenue #ocvenues #uniquevenue