Sandra (Russian) Aghababian of Lexington, Massachusetts passed away on February 1, 2021. She was the beloved wife of Robert Aghababian and a devoted mother to Pamela Aghababian, Scott Aghababian and his wife Elizabeth and the late Ronald Aghababian. She was also blessed with three grandchildren: William, Helen and Grace. Sandra was also the loving sister of Hank Russian and his wife Rita.
Sandra was a graduate of Boston University and earned a Master’s degree in Education at Boston College. She was a teacher, an accomplished painter and a member of a number of Armenian cultural organizations. She wrote and published Hrant’s Story: A Journey to Survive about her father’s life. She instilled a love of reading and the arts in her children and grandchildren. She loved playing and inventing games, cooking for the holidays and learning Armenian recipes.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in her honor to St. Stephen’s Armenian Church in Watertown or the Armenian Church of the Holy Translators in Framingham.
Private funeral services will be held at Saint Stephen’s Armenian Church, Watertown. Private burial will be held at Newton Cemetery, Newton. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, current public health and safety measures will be followed. Social distancing and face masks will be required for everyone’s safety.
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Anahid Kendirdjian
Born on March 25, 1938, Iskenderoun
Yeprem Kendirdjian
Born on December 11, 1929, Mousa Ler
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, great aunt, relative and friend Anahid Kendirdjian, who passed away on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 in Los Angeles.
And with great sorrow, we also announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, great uncle, relative and friend Yeprem Kendirdjian, who passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 in Los Angeles.
Funeral services were held on February 4, 2021 at Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn Mortuary Park.
They are survived by their:
Daughter, Reba and Krikor Pilibosian and daughter, Lori Pilibosian (Detroit)
Granddaughter, Marina and Ishkhan Bozabalian and daughter, Lumina Meghri Bozabalian (Detroit)
Son, Vahe Kendirdjian and daughter, Serina Kendirdjian (Detroit)
Daughter, Betty and Antranik Makerian and son, Melkon Makerian (Los Angeles)
Granddaughter Talar and Roupen Minassian (Los Angeles)
Son, Razmig Kendirdjian and sons, Shant, Vartan, Sarkis and Armen Kendirdjian (Detroit)
Granddaughter, Alene and Hagop Hagopian and daughter, Juniper Hagopian (Los Angeles)
And the entire Kendirdjian, Manoukian, Pilibosian, Makerian, Keurkezian, Makhoulian, Bozabalian, Minassian and Hagopian families, relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mousa Ler Association of Detroit, to benefit the medical needs in Anjar, Lebanon. Donations by check should be made payable to Mousa Ler Association of Detroit. Memo: Yeprem & Anahid. Mail to: 19300 Ford Rd., Dearborn, MI 48128.
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Nancy Diane Guzelian of Brookline, Massachusetts passed away on February 2, 2021 at the age of 93. Devoted daughter of the late Mihran and Makrouhie (Tufenkjian) Guzelian. Loving sister of Vartkes Guzelian and his wife Audrey, Astor Guzelian and his wife Lucy. Cherished aunt of Michael Guzelian and his wife Susan; Gail Guzelian Iverson and her husband Ronald; Andrew Guzelian and his wife Alice; Edward Guzelian and his wife Madellaine; and Eric Guzelian and his wife Amy. Loving great aunt of Aram, Taline, Ani, Adrineh, Alina, Haig, Mark, Stepan and Peter.
Nancy was born in Somerville, Massachusetts. She grew up in Cambridge, Somerville and Roxbury before finally settling in Brookline. After high school, she went to Massachusetts School of Art where she received a Bachelor of Arts followed by a Master of Arts at Simmons College. She then earned a PhD at Penn State University. She was a dedicated home economics teacher in the Boston Public Schools for 35 years.
Nancy was very proud of her Armenian heritage and was committed to preserving Armenian values and traditions within her family and the community. She was involved in the Armenian community throughout her life at St. Stephen’s Armenian Church in Watertown, MA where she was a Sunday school teacher and a member of the Ladies Guild. Nancy was also an active member of the Armenian Youth Federation, a strong supporter of St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School, as well as Camp Haiastan in Franklin, Massachusetts.
Private funeral services will be held at St. Stephen’s Armenian Church, Watertown. A private burial will follow at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, current public health and safety measures will be followed. Social distancing and face masks will be required for everyone’s safety. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St Stephen’s Armenian Church or St Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School.
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Helen Haig Sevagian of Milton, Massachusetts passed away suddenly on February 5, 2021. She was the beloved daughter of the late Haig and Surpoohy (Tarbassian) Sevagian and the sister of the late Aram Sevagian. Helen is survived by her cousins Vartkess (Elizabeth) Tarbassian, Armen Tarbassian and Anahid (Philip) Terrence, along with many loving nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and one great-great nephew.
Helen was a graduate of Hyde Park High School. She continued her education at Boston University where she received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Library Science. She worked as a librarian for over 40 years at the Boston Public Library. She was an active member of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) and the Armenian Relief Society (ARS). Helen loved to travel and often visited Europe. She also traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada, usually with her lifelong friend Rosemary Khachadoorian. She loved her dogs, books and family. She was a proud daughter of Genocide survivors. She loved to meet people and engage in serious discussions about life and its pleasures and problems, always ending with her lovely smile and laugh. She will be missed; we already feel her absence.
Private funeral services will be held at St. Stephen’s Armenian Church, Watertown. Private burial services will be held at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Helen’s name to St. Stephen’s Armenian Church, the AYF or the ARS.
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Aram Abraham Jeknavorian—beloved father, grandfather, brother, Armenian activist and pillar of Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church, Chelmsford—passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center after a brief illness. The son of the late Abraham and the late Flora (Keukjian) Jeknavorian, he was born on April 10, 1939 in Lowell and was raised in the Highlands section of the city. He was educated in the local schools and graduated from Lowell High School. He then attained a Bachelor’s Degree in Plastics Engineering from Lowell Technological Institute. Aram served with the United States Army in the 4th Armored Division 1962 until his Honorable Discharge in 1964.
Aram was a longtime dedicated member of Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church. He served on the Parish Council for many years as chairman and secretary and chaired both the annual bazaar and picnic on multiple occasions. Aram was a distinguished member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation and the Armenian National Committee where he was awarded the Vahan Cardashian Award for his longtime activism and dedication to the Armenian cause. Aram also actively participated in the Armenian Monument Committee and Merrimack Valley Armenian Genocide Commemorative Committee. He was also a member of the Armenian American Veterans of Lowell and Pelham Post #100, American Legion serving as Commander of both organizations. His Armenian heritage was a great source of pride to him, second only to his family, especially his grandchildren, taking them to church every Sunday meant the world to him.
Aram also led a flourishing career in the chemical industry co-founding Coating Systems, pioneering many innovative technologies and co-authoring several publications.
His survivors include his son Aram G. Jeknavorian and his wife Kerri of Pelham, NH; his beloved grandchildren Madison, Emily and William-Henry (Pelham, NH); his sister Armig Ferris of Nashua, NH; his brothers Armen Jeknavorian and his wife Sossy of Chelmsford and Dr. Ara Jeknavorian and his wife Milka of Chelmsford. He was also loved by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Family was very important to Aram; he will be greatly missed. He was predeceased by his former wife Helene (Pelletier) Jeknavorian and his sister Rose Zartarian and her husband Garbis Zartarian.
Funeral services for Aram were held privately at Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church with the participation of Very Rev. Father Simeon Odabashian, Vicar of the Eastern Diocese and Rev. Father Stepan Baljian, pastor of St. Gregory Armenian Church, North Andover. A touching message from Father Khachatur was read at the service. When COVID restrictions are lifted, a celebration of his life will be arranged in Aram’s honor. Donations can be made in Aram’s memory to Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church, 180 Old Westford Rd., Chelmsford, MA 01824.
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When I think of the Armenian icon Guy Chookoorian, I immediately think of these words which describe this Armenian singer, musician and actor. Sadly, he passed away on January 31st at the age of 97. “He had an amazingly full life and illustrious career entertaining his audiences with his music and humor,” said his son Arshag Chookoorian, also musical partner for over 40 years.
Gaidzog (Guy) Chookoorian was born on November 15, 1923 in Kenosha, Wisconsin. At the age of 12, his family moved to Fresno where his father Roupen, an amateur musician, worked by day as a shoemaker in his own shop. On the side, Roupen would also write short stories which would appear in various Armenian newspapers.
Many would identify with Guy’s upbringing, as he grew up hearing Armenian music throughout his home. His father played the oud/violin and wrote Armenian lyrics. Watching his father perform no doubt instilled a passion for music in his heart, inspiring him to begin playing the oud at a youthful age. He had vivid memories of holding the instrument and picking at the strings. But the harmonica was the first instrument Guy picked up to learn Armenian music. Truly a self-taught musician, he would learn several instruments throughout his lifetime including oud, bouzouki, guitar, mandolin, banjo, ukulele and many others. “If it had strings on it, he could play it,” said his son.
The tradition of having Armenian music permeate his childhood carried on when Guy started to raise his own family with his wife Louise. He taught his son Arshag how to play the dumbeg at seven years old; eventually, he would play gigs with his father. Guy’s daughter Araxie would also eventually join the band as a singer and keyboardist. Guy and Louise also served as choir director and organist, respectively, at their local Armenian church for over 50 years. Teaching and sharing their love of music was important to them.
Being on stage was always in Guy’s blood. As a youngster in junior high school, he partnered with a schoolmate for a double act performing music and telling jokes. He also appeared on a local Fresno radio program with a classmate to perform cowboy music and comedy routines on a regular basis.
A remarkable World War II veteran, Guy enlisted (not drafted) in the US Army Air Corp and flew over 30 bombing missions as a radio operator-gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters as well as other awards for his service. It is also believed that he was one of the few American airmen to shoot down a German ME-163, a rocket-propelled warplane.
Guy Chookoorian, circa 1950
After the war, Guy was focused on pursuing an acting career. A handsome man in his youth as well as a distinguished looking gentleman as he aged, he left Fresno for Hollywood. Guy was successful on stage in a number of different productions. While acting, Guy also formed his first ensemble and performed for both Armenian and American weddings and parties throughout California.
To the Armenian community, he was probably best known for his novelty songs. Taking popular American tunes and putting Armenian words was his trademark. The rhythm and blues/novelty song “Open the Door, Richard” was a hit (top of Billboard charts) in 1946. Guy was given the idea if he recorded this in Armenian, it would be a great stunt that would attract attention. He recorded his version called “Toore’ Pats, Dikran,” and he sold thousands of copies. Realizing what a hit this record became, Guy would go on to record more novelty songs such as “Choriner” (Mule Train), “Davit Amoo” (The Ballad of Davy Crockett) and “Yegoor Eem Doonus” (Come on-a My House). Interestingly enough, when Guy went to obtain permission from the publisher of Come on-a My House, he was told he needed to meet the composers of the song so they could hear Guy’s version, something rare even by today’s standards. Guy was introduced to both William Saroyan and Ross Bagdasarian. He sang the song for them, and they were impressed and even wanted to form a partnership to record more songs. But after a falling out between Saroyan and Bagdasarian, this never happened.
All recorded on his record label Lightning Records, these 78rpm records would make Guy an Armenian household name. From the late 1940s to the early 2000s, Guy would produce collections of his music. This is how I actually came to meet Guy back in 1999 as he had just re-released some of his favorite songs on CD called “Guy Chookoorian Does The Apple Tree Song and other hits.” When we spoke, he was charismatic and youthful…excited to talk about his collection that I was more than happy to help distribute for him.
In the early 1960s, Guy would enter the Middle Eastern nightclub scene performing in supper clubs with belly dancers. His first engagement was in Las Vegas where he shared the stage with icons Harry James, Fats Domino and many more. Guy’s audience was growing.
He also formed The Barites, a popular Armenian folk band with Peter Chorebanian, Dick Agajanian, Jimmy Haboian and others. Over the years he would work with many well-known Armenian musicians from around California including Richard Hagopian, John Bilezikjian, Jack Chalikian and others. Performing Armenian music is an important way to help preserve the history of our rich songs, but Guy took it one step further. In 1952 he was commissioned to record a series of songs from Yerzinga, located in historic Armenia. These were songs that his father performed and sang; both father and son documented the lyrics for future generations. These recordings even came with a booklet that Roupen wrote in order to teach the specific dances from this region.
There wasn’t a segment of the entertainment business that Guy didn’t leave a lasting impression on. From radio and television to theater and motion pictures, his credits are numerous with over 80 appearances including The Lucy Show, Charlie’s Angels, Lou Grant and The Love Boat.
He was a true entertainer who indeed lived a full life. Even though the generation who marveled at his success and adored his music is diminishing, his recordings live on through the efforts of his children. Besides, we can never forget his voice yelling out “Choriner”!
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Ara Topouzian
Ara Topouzian is an Armenian-American musician whose proficiency at the Kanun (Middle Eastern harp) has made him a nationally-recognized artist.
The Detroit Armenian community has been blessed with many pillars, which support a foundation established by the immigrant first generation. On January 20, 2021, we lost one of those pillars. Albert Khajak Sarkisian was part of the first generation born in America, the offspring of Genocide survivors. He died just two weeks before his 93rd birthday.
So what was in Al’s upbringing that led him to become a future pillar typical in his generation of our very homogeneous community? Al’s organizational life began in the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) in the “Christopher” Chapter—one of five in Metro Detroit. He graduated into the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Antranig Gomideh as most of the youth leaders did at that time.
But Al’s interests were very broad and not limited to just the ARF. Since his father was a Vanehtzi, Al served as a member of the Vasbouragan Society of Detroit. As a Korean War veteran, Al was also an active member of the American Legion, Vartan Post until it was disbanded. He had its Post flag sent to Armenia. At his funeral, a US Army Color Guard performed taps and presented the American flag to his family.
Al’s heart was also in the church. He was active in the local St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church community and subsequently the New York Prelacy office. A typical Board of Trustee member serves two or three terms consecutively, but Al always seemed to be on the Board. He must have held every executive position…more than once! Even when he wasn’t on the Board of Trustees, he was involved in developing the budget and explaining it at the annual church meetings. Of course, he was also a Detroit church delegate to the annual National Representative Assembly (NRA) meetings for more than than one term, and because of all of the above, he became an advisor to the Prelacy finance committee where then-Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan in 2002 awarded him the Prelacy Eagle Medal (Ardtziv).
At his wake in the church, that medal was proudly displayed on his suit lapel. In his left hand was a vial filled with the soil from his father’s village Avantz, located on the shore of Lake Van. It was a gift to him from his sister Bernice’s brother-in-law, Detroit’s own Hachig Kazarian, on his second trip to Western Armenia. This brings me to Al’s loss of his right hand due to an accident in his adult life, something which would have limited most of us. But he remained unstoppable; he still moved more than his fair share of chairs and tables.
I trust you’re starting to get the idea of what it takes to become a pillar of the community. For about six years, Al and I worked together on the Board of Directors of our Greater Detroit Armenian Senior Citizens Housing Corporation. Al was the chairman representing the church, and I represented the Armenian Community Center (ACC), the two owners of the eight-story, 150-unit apartment building on our 12-acre community campus. Al was involved since its inception more than 40 years ago. This December, our 40-year mortgage will be paid off. This project will add about a $14 million value to the community, and if operated as a business can generate at least a $40-thousand monthly income for the community in the future. This year, we completed a $2.4 million gym at the ACC—planned, built and paid for by the pillars of Al’s generation, of which he was a part of 50 years ago when he was in his early forties.
Because of Al’s long history in leadership positions, his signature appears on many transactions along with so many other pillars of the community who are now all long gone. He was always there, for decades, not just years.
During his funeral, Der Hrant Kevorkian read a special message of sympathy to his family from the Prelate, Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian—an uncommon occurrence for every funeral, but only for pillars of their communities.
Soon, Albert K. Sarkisian’s name will be added to the plaque in the Senior Citizens lobby for those deceased Board of Trustees members and originators of the project. May God grant him peace and the recognition of the Armenian community of Detroit that he deserves.
Albert K. Sarkisian leaves behind his wife Geno; his daughter Renee; his son John (Maria); his son Gregory; his granddaughter Nicole; his sister Bernice Kazarian (the late Kazar) and nieces, nephews and friends.
Eveline Palandjian (née Hacopian) passed away peacefully on February 14, 2021 at the age of 88.
Born on April 9, 1932 in Iran, Eveline was the daughter of Armenian Genocide survivors. Her life’s winding narrative took her from Iran to Barcelona to New Jersey and finally to Delray Beach in 2000, where she would reside near her daughter’s family. Married to her adoring husband Gayzag for 62 years, Eveline was a devoted mother to their daughter and only child, Mary.
Throughout her life, Eveline was known to all around her as a happy, loving and caring woman. She always had a positive outlook, loved a good laugh and entertained her family with her sharp sense of humor. Fluent in five languages, she held a bachelors degree at a time when most women did not even go to college. She became a pharmacist in her father’s pharmacy in Tehran. She loved to cook beautiful meals for her family and enjoyed listening to all types of music—from classic to contemporary.
Eveline is predeceased by her husband Gayzag Palandjian; her parents Vartan and Juliette Hacopian; her brother Albert; and her beloved grandson Ivan. She is survived by her daughter Mary (Paul) Andonian, granddaughter Silvia (Jimmy) Prochazka and great-granddaughter Lucine.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a church service in Eveline’s memory will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests for memorial donations to be sent to the ARS Sosseh Chapter of Florida, c/o Mary Andonian 950 Egret Circle, #5410, Delray Beach, FL, 33444.
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Berge Panosyan (November 9, 1954 – January 29, 2021)
Berge Panosyan was born in Uskudar, Turkey to Levon and Alis Panosyan, with whom he was reunited in heavenly rest on January 29, 2021.
Berge was a loving husband to Denise (Darmanian), an adoring father to his son Armen (16), a devoted brother to Bedros (Zabel) and Bercuhi (Renan), a compassionate and affectionate uncle to Karoon, Selin (Forest), Axel and Lori, a faithful and unwavering godfather to Christina and a loyal friend.
Berge was educated at the Semerciyan Cemaran in Uskudar, Turkey, the Murad Rafaelian College in Venice, Italy and graduated as an electrical engineer from the University of Munich in Germany before emigrating to the United States.
Berge was a silent rock launched into the river of life, sending ripples ever outward into the future, touching the lives of all he met around the world, including especially the youth of Armenia, on his beautiful journey through life. Tributes poured in as news of his untimely passing spread. “Kind – thoughtful – respectful – optimistic – joyful – nationalistic – glass half full – and with faith in God,” said Chicago’s former public health commissioner Dr. John Wilhelm as he eulogized the dear friend he met after the 1988 earthquake in Armenia.
“It is devastating for all of us,” said Dr. Taner Akcam in his condolences. “He was an amazing person, a good friend. I will never forget what he did for me and for the Armenian people. Without him, I could not create the Krikor Guerguerian Archive. He was the backbone of the project; he will live with me forever.”
“In Berge I found a kindred spirit and a kind soul, a true Armenian dedicated to his people,” recalled Armenian Revolutionary Federation Eastern USA Central Committee chairman George Aghjayan. They met in 2017 during the infancy stage of the significant changes at the Hairenik building in Watertown, Massachusetts. Berge had previously been to the building to recommend scanning of the newspapers, but the work truly progressed when as Aghjayan put it, “he saw our renewed commitment…he embraced it fully as a passion project.”
“For the uninitiated, it is hard to imagine what that fully means,” recalled Aghjayan. “Every time Berge would be in Massachusetts, he would take more boxes of old, crumbling newspapers. Occasionally, I would make the trip to New York to drop off and take back more and more boxes. His garage had become a storage facility for Hairenik newspapers. He and his staff would painstakingly separate each newspaper for scanning. Each of these trips, sometimes with my wife joining me, were a joy with the opportunity to sit and chat with Berge and his wife Denise. The last time I saw Berge was in November completely unexpectedly in Washington, DC. The random meeting brought such broad smiles and excitement to each of us that I believe those with us thought we were two long lost friends being reunited for the first time in decades. And that is how it is when you have a connection with someone grounded in common pursuit of the Armenian cause. Berge had vision and he had commitment to see these projects, and others like them, through to the end and he did so humbly without any recognition. The last year has been cruel to the Armenian people taking away so many of our best and brightest and for me personally, and the entire Hairenik family, Berge represented the best of the best.”
The Armenian Weekly Editorial Board extends its sincere condolences to the entire Panosyan family with gratitude for his generosity and commitment; without Berge, the Hairenik Digital Archives would not have been possible.
To memorialize Berge’s commitment to education and his enthusiasm to inspire the next generation, donations may be made to:
Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School 209-15 Horace Harding Expressway Oakland Gardens, NY 11364
Berge Panosyan (November 9, 1954 – January 29, 2021)
Anita Terzian Titus passed away from COVID-19 on January 20, 2021 at her home in Forest Hills, New York.
Terzian was an internationally renowned mezzo-soprano opera singer. She performed many leading roles with critical acclaim at the world’s most notable opera and concert houses including the Rome Opera, the Liceu in Barcelona, Lisbon’s São Carlos, the Hamburg State Opera, Brussels’ Opera Monnaie, Munich Opera (where she was a resident artist for many years), Covent Garden and Carnegie Hall among many others. Most notable was her appearance as Cenerentola at the Paris Opera House where she received a 20-minute standing ovation. She made her US debut in the title role of Carmen with the New York City Opera at the invitation of Beverly Sills. She performed with such noted conductors and opera singers as Mstislav Leopoldovich, Alain Lombard and Plácido Domingo. Among her recording credits are Siébel in the award-winning Prix du Disc recording of Gounod’s Faust with Montserrat Caballé and the title roles in both Händel’s Xerxes and Alessandro with the Warsaw Symphony Orchestra.
Terzian formally studied opera at the age of 15 under the direction of Jennie Tourell. Terzian was a graduate of Julliard School of Music where she earned her Bachelor of Music and Master of Science degrees and studied vocal technique and interpretation with Maria Callas.
Terzian was of Armenian heritage and was deeply devoted to Armenian causes and the Armenian church.
Terzian was predeceased by her parents, Seda Boudaghian and Arthur Terzian. She is survived by her brother Dr. Nelson Terzian of Key Largo, Florida; niece Jennifer Seda Goldstein of Coral Gables, Florida; grandnephew Alex Goldstein; and grandnieces Sydney and Emmy Goldstein and her beloved Westie, Astor Buck.
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Robert Mugar Yacubian died peacefully on February 22, 2021 at the Boca Raton Regional Hospital in Florida, following a brief illness. He was 84 years old.
Born to Armenian immigrants Kourken and Alice (Mugar) Yacubian, Robert was the middle child between older sister Gloria and younger sister Susan. As children, his parents immigrated to the United States in the early years of the twentieth century to escape the Armenian Genocide by the Ottoman Turks.
The family’s ancestral roots were in Harput and Malatya, in what is now eastern Turkey. Robert spent childhood summers with his grandmother Vosgitel Mugar in Watertown, Massachusetts and learned Armenian in her house. Like many who flee ethnic violence, his elders wanted to forget their haunted memories. “Don’t play that sad music,” they used to say about plaintive Armenian songs.
As he grew up, Robert cultivated a mischievous sense of humor and a love of life that defied any ancestral persecution. He delighted those around him with imitations, malapropisms and colorful Armenian phrases. He, too, did not have time for sad songs, but he savored classical music concerts, especially joyous composers like Hayden and Mozart. He also frequented musicals that would preview in Boston before hitting Broadway and sat on the Board of Directors of the UMass Fine Arts Center.
In the early 1970s, Robert met his lifelong friend Richard Weil. Richard shared Robert’s love of music and fine art, of gourmet food and travel, and of sunshine on the beach. The two traveled extensively in this country and abroad, often with dear friends.
Like so many immigrant families, the Yacubians emphasized hard work, education and helping others. Robert’s career as transfer coordinator at Greenfield Community College combined these virtues in a distinctive way. He helped thousands of students transfer to four-year institutions, including several highly selective colleges and universities like Smith, Mount Holyoke, Amherst, Williams and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He was particularly effective in sending women to Smith College via the Ada Comstock Scholars Program for students of nontraditional college age.
Even in retirement, Robert continued to be devoted to his students, establishing a yearly transfer scholarship at Greenfield Community College. He served two terms on the Board of Directors of the College Foundation and was honored as its first director emeritus. The Advising Center at the College now bears his name.
Robert himself earned a master’s degree at UMass Amherst after graduating from Babson College and Belmont High School, with a postgraduate year at Tabor Academy. In Greenfield, he settled into a house that matched his colorful personality—the deep red Saltbox on Newell Pond, an iconic structure that dates to 1730.
He was proud of his American upbringing, but Armenia was also always present in his life, in different ways at different times. He took a sabbatical leave from the College to spend the 1996 spring term in the capital city of Yerevan, where his sister Susan was working. Times were difficult, with the recent collapse of the Soviet Union leaving an earthquake-torn country struggling to rebuild. But Robert established the Career Services Office at the American University of Armenia, forging lasting friendships and refreshing his Armenian language skills.
Robert’s family was deeply important to him. He encouraged his younger sister Susan’s education and unorthodox career, which took her from secondary school administration to non-governmental development work in Armenia, India and Uganda. Her children Nicole and Alex remain devoted to him, as he was to them. He took great joy in their lives and accomplishments, and in their families.
Especially in retirement, Robert would spend increasing time during the summer with his older sister Gloria on Cape Cod in Cotuit, enjoying close-knit friendships at Riley’s Beach. He spent winters in Boca Raton. His dear Aunt Helen was his original connection to Florida, and he eventually bought a condominium in her building. Gloria passed away in late 2019. After a final trip to Puerto Rico to help handle her affairs in early March of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic confined Robert to Boca Raton for the final year of his life. During this difficult time, his beloved caregiver Maurio François looked after him night and day, showing compassion, patience, skill and understanding that had already aided and comforted Robert for more than five years.
Robert was predeceased by his sister Gloria Yacubian Myers and is survived by his younger sister Susan Yacubian Klein of Princeton, NJ; his niece Nicole Klein Sims and her husband Ethan Sims, along with their children Zoe and Téa of Boise, ID; his nephew Alex Klein and his wife Joanie Ellen, along with their children Roscoe and Clyde of Belfountain, Canada; his longtime friend Richard Weil of Boston; his caregiver Maurio François; his cousin Carolyn Mugar of Cambridge; and many other loving cousins and friends.
Those wishing to remember Robert may make a gift to:
Lucine Zadoian Kouchakdjian passed away on February 26, 2021 at the age 87. Lucine was born on April 12, 1933 in Ploiesti, Romania to Vartan and Anoush (Ghazarian) Zadoian, survivors of the Armenian Genocide.
Lucine lived a full and eventful life. Her early years were marked by deprivation, fear and heartbreak, forcing her to assume responsibility beyond her age during difficult times in Romania marked by World War II, Soviet occupation and imposition of the communist regime. As a known member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, her father Vartan was in imminent danger of arrest, and the family kept a packed suitcase for him behind the front door. As a teenager, Lucine witnessed the tragic, premature death of her father, becoming the only breadwinner of the family, working part-time while attending the Conservatory of Art and Music in Ploiesti (she also had the sole ration book, providing the family with 200 grams of bread a day). She was an accomplished pianist and frequently performed in concerts with orchestras. Facing many economic and political difficulties and challenges, Lucine, her mother Anoush and her younger brother Hratch decided to make every effort to leave Romania. In the meantime, Lucine had been selected to continue her piano studies at the Moscow Conservatory, an opportunity that would have advanced her career, however foreclosing any possibility of leaving the country. Lucine decided to forgo the honor for a chance to live in freedom. With the help of a relative abroad, the family obtained Lebanese citizenship and began a long ordeal of leaving Romania. In May 1954, the family was finally able to leave for Lebanon with little more than the clothes on their backs.
Within days of arriving in Beirut, Lucine found her first piano pupil, providing much-needed income for the family. Her reputation as an effective teacher led to a growing number of students. While in Lebanon, the Zadoians had the opportunity to meet again with General Dro Kanayan, Lucine and Hratch’s godfather. It was during this time in Lebanon that Lucine began her lifelong pursuit of political activism. She was passionate and relentless in her beliefs. While in Lebanon, still scarred by their experience under communism, she and Hratch organized demonstrations against visiting groups from Romania, propagandized them and engineered the defection of a musician. Once the Romanian mission in Lebanon discovered Lucine and Hratch’s role, they sought to have Hratch arrested, and death threats followed. These events unfolded during the 1958 civil war in Lebanon. Not long after the end of the civil war, the Zadoians received their immigration visas to the United States.
On February 10, 1959, the Zadoian family arrived in the port of New York, a dream fulfilled. Lucine found a job at the Home Insurance Company. After a time, Anoush discovered friends and acquaintances she had not seen since she had fled the burning of Smyrna in 1922. Among them was Caloust Kouchakdjian, a Smyrna neighbor, now living in Manhattan with his wife Arshaguhi and their sons Sarkis and George and daughter Anita. Before long, Sarkis and Lucine were dating; they got married in 1961. Their sons Michael and Ara were born thereafter.
Due to Sarkis’ work, the family moved to the Washington, D.C. suburb of Silver Spring, Maryland. They established a circle of friends and became involved in community activities around Soorp Khatch Armenian Church. Lucine was co-founder of the Hamasdegh Armenian School where she became a music teacher. Later, she became active in the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society where she served on the executive of the Washington chapter. During the national commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide organized by the Armenian Prelacy in Washington, DC, Lucine was committee head for the commemorative concert and program that took place at DAR Constitution Hall, just blocks from the White House. She also increasingly found an outlet for her political activism by working with the young leaders at the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). For dozens of years, she passionately organized a network of Washington Armenian community members who called on members of Congress, visited offices, lobbied, led protests and participated in political campaigns on behalf of Armenian issues.
As her children grew up, Lucine started teaching piano again, acquiring a large number of students in whom she built a lifelong love for music. Simultaneously, she took executive positions in both the Maryland State and Montgomery County Music Teachers Associations, volunteering to organize workshops, recitals, music competitions and benefit concerts throughout the state. Over the years, Lucine and Sarkis traveled extensively through Europe and Armenia. Most memorably, Lucine and her brother Hratch stood with hundreds of thousands of others on Armenia’s Republic Square in September 21, 1991 to witness Armenia’s re-independence upon the dissolution of the USSR.
In 2003, Lucine and Sarkis relocated to Massachusetts to be near their sons and their growing families. They enjoyed and nurtured their six grandchildren. Once again, Lucine acquired many piano students and continued teaching to the very end.
Through all the upheavals of war, communism and persecution and through hard times and good times, Lucine was always resourceful, courageous, stubbornly determined and irrepressibly optimistic. She was never at a loss for words and was blessed with a sharp sense of humor. A devoted grandmother, mother and wife, she was full of energy and enthusiasm in all that she undertook. She loved life and lived it well. She was a force of nature.
Lucine is survived by her loving family: her husband Sarkis; her sons Michael and Ara; daughters-in-law Hasmik (Ghevondyan) and Lisa (Kaprielian); grandchildren Stepan, Hagop, Aram, Zaven, Maral and Diran; her brother Hratch and his wife Leslie; her-brother-in-law George Kouchakdjian and his wife Julie; and her sister-in-law Anita Serian and her husband Steven; nephews and nieces. She will continue to live in all who knew her, her family, her friends and her students.
Sahag Robert Dakesian of Hudson, MA, passed away on February 27, 2021, at the age of 96. He was a senior scientist/engineer for 40 years at major electronic companies in the Boston area including Sylvania, Honeywell and Raytheon. Sahag was a charter member of NAASR, having joined in 1955, and remained a member continuously for the rest of his life. In 2020, he was recognized for his 65 years of membership.
Dakesian served on the NAASR Board of Directors (1962-69) and on its executive committee, taking an active role in the organization’s work during important years of growth for NAASR and for Armenian Studies in the US. He was especially proud of his role as an organizer of the pioneering NAASR 1967 trip to historic Armenia, which, unfortunately, he was unable to join due to a family illness. He credited his participation in NAASR with strengthening his knowledge and appreciation of his Armenian heritage.
Sahag Dakesian was born on July 6, 1924, in Roxbury, MA to Rupen and Nuvart (Harpootlian) Dakesian. His parents were born in Ottoman Armenia and were survivors of the Armenian Genocide.
In 1961, he married Margaret Mugurdichian from Providence, RI, and remained there until 1969. Eventually, he and Margaret relocated to Sudbury, MA, where they resided for 41 years until 2010, after which they moved to Hudson.
Dakesian is survived by his wife Margaret, sister Lucille Diranian, sister-in-law Bertha Mugurdichian, his nephews and nieces: Richard Diranian and his wife Karen; Nancy Paloian and her husband Michael; Kenneth Diranian; Deborah Davenport and her husband Jim; and Ann Morgan. He also leaves behind his grand-nieces and grand-nephews: Alexa, Melissa and Lindsey Diranian; Andrea and Adam Paloian; Jessie, Christopher and his wife Lindsay, Michael and his wife Franchesca, and Andrew and his wife Yunji Davenport; and great-great-nephew and great-great-niece Arlo Davenport and Edith Davenport.
Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Armenian Church of the Holy Translators, 38 Franklin Street, Framingham, MA 01702.
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Melkon Yessaillian, a longtime resident of Westwood, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at home on March 10, 2021. He was 91 years old.
He was born in the wheat fields of historic Armenia to Aghavni and Garabed Yessayan, who were miraculous survivors of the Armenian Genocide. His father baptized him in the Euphrates River. After his birth, his parents fled to Aleppo, Syria seeking a better future. To their surprise, they faced tremendous hardship due to a lack of employment opportunities for Christian minorities. Despite this, his parents never gave up hope.
The eldest of five surviving children, Melkon lived a life of courage, compassion, perseverance and faith. When he was six years old, he attended the Calouste Gulbenkian School for Armenian children. His father convinced the admissions board that his son had innate talent and showcased his beautiful calligraphy handwriting. At Gulbenkian, Melkon mastered the French language and was awarded the Prix de L’Alliance Francaise, the top student of French among all students in his grade in the city of Aleppo.
When he was 11 years old, Melkon was admitted to the prestigious Mekhitarian Armenian Catholic School, which was reserved for elite families. With no money to pay for his tuition, his mother told the head priest that she was Catholic and recounted stories of her father regularly hosting Armenian nuns at their home before the Genocide.
Though he was the top of his class, Melkon was forced to drop out of school at age 15 to support his struggling family. He took a job at a textile factory where he worked on a loom in solidarity for five years–12 hours a day, six days a week for five dollars a week while relying on a kerosene lantern as his only source of light. He did this until the Syrian Army drafted him.
After the Syrian Army, Melkon worked in Baniyas, Syria for Iraq Petroleum. Discovering that the company would send young employees to London for 12 months of training, Melkon taught himself English, relying on a dictionary and practicing his vocabulary nightly with a friend. He was fluent within three months. After reciting his favorite poem (Rudyard Kipling’s “If”) to his manager, he was granted the opportunity to go to London.
In 1956, he returned to Syria only to face repeated interrogations by the Syrian Secret Police, who thought he was a spy for the British government because he lived in London and spoke perfect English. Fearful that he was going to be falsely accused and jailed for life, Melkon decided to come to America for the sake of his family, who continued to rely on his support. He immigrated to the United States on a student visa.
Upon arriving in Boston, Melkon attended Newman Prep. He subsequently carried a full engineering course load at Wentworth Institute, while working the night shift as a medical orderly at the Peter Bent Brigham hospital. During this time, he continued to send a portion of his earnings to his family in Syria. One night, he befriended an Armenian patient at the hospital who led him to meeting his future wife Arpi.
With family as his highest priority in life, he and Arpi helped Melkon’s parents and siblings immigrate to Toronto during the early years of their marriage. They made their home in Westwood. He enjoyed a career that included many years as a nuclear and construction engineer at Boston Edison.
Devoted to his community, Melkon served his church as a member of its board of trustees, a Sunday school teacher and principal of the Armenian school. He helped many newly arrived Armenian immigrants to the Boston area get their start in the US through various acts of kindness. Living a life of humility, Melkon’s children only learned about their father’s good deeds many years later through stories told by those he had helped. Melkon had an incredible way with words and counsel as many sought his wisdom when faced with big decisions or troubled times.
An infectious smile, love of life and a “green thumb” were his signature trademarks. He relished nurturing his vegetable garden and fruit trees at his home in Westwood. He never missed an opportunity to celebrate a family milestone by coaxing Arpi to host a party in their backyard filled with a large crowd, lots of love and his famous shish kebab.
One of his greatest legacies was teaching his children the true definition of success, as exemplified by the Ralph Waldo Emerson quote:
To laugh often and much To win the respect of intelligent people & the affection of children To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty To find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.
Melkon made many lives breathe easier. His boundless enthusiasm for life, his eternal happiness and sunny outlook stem from the lessons he learned growing up in a situation which most people would consider hopeless.
He leaves behind his loving wife Arpi (Hachikian) and his devoted children: Gary Yessaillian and his wife Lina of Westwood, Ani Yessaillian of Boston, and Seta Davidian and her husband Raymond of Watertown. He was the loving grandfather of Michael and Andrea Yessaillian and Gregory and Nairi Davidian. Devoted brother to Sarkis Asailian and Avo Asailian of Toronto, Margaret Asailian of Natick and the late Azniv Poladian. He leaves behind two generations of loving nieces and nephews.
Aghavni Zartarian, widow of Krikor Assilian since 2007, passed away peacefully of natural causes in Beirut during the early hours of March 15, 2021.
Aghavni was born on October 11, 1926 in Nicosia, Cyprus. She was the daughter of Parsegh Zartarian, a survivor of the 1915 Armenian Genocide who was deported by the Ottoman Turks from Adana, Armenian Cilicia to Nicosia, Cyprus. Parsegh, had kept a key to his house in Adana, but he never returned to his house and homeland. He grew up in Cyprus and married Gulen Keshishian from Beirut, who was also from Adana, but was deported by the Ottomans to Lebanon. Parsegh and Gulen settled in Cyprus and had four children—Mary, who married and survived Zaven Shekerdemian (both deceased); George who married Anahid Nahabedian; Aghavni married Krikor Kevork Assilian (both deceased); and Hermine, who married and survived Garbis Kechedjian (deceased).
Aghavni and the family firstly lived in Amiantos and then moved to Nicosia, where she grew up and obtained her education at the American Academy. After her marriage to Krikor Assilian, she moved to Beirut, Lebanon. Krikor and Aghavni had three children—George, Maral and Vicken. The family remained in Lebanon throughout the years, witnessing the Lebanese Civil War and the Beirut explosion onAugust 4, 2020. ]Aghavni was always a staunch supporter of her husband and their family. She was a loving, most caring, practical, optimistic, forward-looking, devoted mother with a touch of stubbornness. Even though she was not familiar with the Arabic language, she made sure their children learned perfect Arabic and were brought up as loyal and devoted Lebanese Armenians. Their children attended various AGBU schools and were active members of AGBU, participating in athletic, educational, social and scouting activities. Together with her husband, they continued the Armenian legacy and succeeded to educate their children granting them the highest levels of education at various universities in England, Lebanon and Armenia; they went on to obtain several professional qualifications. Krikor and Aghavni were also supportive with the upbringing and education of their grandchildren—Sarine, Krikor, Greg and Tamar.
Aghavni was loved and respected by her family, friends and relatives. She was an active participant in the Lebanese-Armenian community for many years, volunteering for charities and community causes and services. She had been a member of the Etchmiadzin Religious Women Union, the AGBU and the Ladies Committee of Saint Hagop Church in Ashrafieh.
Aghavni is survived by her three children, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren as well as by her elder brother George and younger sister Hermine.
God bless her soul and may she rest in peace.
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Anahid Joubanian passed away peacefully at home after a short illness on Saturday, March 27, 2021. She was 87 years old.
Born March 8, 1934 in Aleppo, Syria to Aram and Iskuhi (Azdian) Kim-Almazian, Anahid was a graduate of Karen Jeppe Armenian College. She was a dedicated Armenian teacher for 52 years in three countries.
Originally discovered by a headmistress in Aleppo for her limitless patience with young children, she was encouraged to pursue a teaching career in primary education. Recruited by the newly-opened Armenian School of Kuwait, she joined her husband there in 1965, where she would teach Armenian language and culture for 20 years. After moving to Watertown, Massachusetts in 1986, she taught Armenian at St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School alongside Principal Houry Boyamian for 32 years until her retirement at age 84. On the 25th anniversary of the founding of St. Stephen’s, she was awarded the Medal of Mesrob Mashdots by His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Eastern United States—the highest honor awarded to a layperson by the Holy See of the Great House of Cilicia (of the Armenian Apostolic Church).
Preceded in death by her husband of 52 years Vartkes Joubanian, she is survived by four children and eight grandchildren.
Private funeral services will be held at St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church, Watertown to be followed by private cemetery services at Ridgelawn Cemetery, Watertown. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, current public health and safety measures will be followed. Social distancing and face masks will be required for everyone’s safety. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to: St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church (38 Elton Avenue, Watertown, MA 02472) or St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School (47 Nichols Avenue, Watertown, MA 02472).
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Kris V. Hagopian of Watertown, Massachusetts passed away unexpectedly on March 27, 2021.
Beloved son of Shake Hagopian and the late Vahram Hagopian. Devoted brother of Ani Hagopian. Loving father of Cesar, Kristine and Daniella. Survived by his nephew and niece Nicholas and Gabriella and many other loving family members.
Kris was the former proprietor of Coolidge Liquors in Watertown, where he established numerous lifelong friends. He was an admired figure in his community and was known as “Lucky” to many.
Private funeral services will be held at Saint Stephen’s Armenian Church, Watertown to be followed by private cemetery services at Ridgelawn Cemetery, Watertown. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, current public health and safety measures will be followed. Social distancing and facemasks will be required for everyone’s safety. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Saint Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church (38 Elton Avenue, Watertown).
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Khatchadour “Kay” Batalian of Watertown, MA passed away on April 5, 2021 at the age of 89.
Beloved husband of the late Chenorig (Tavitian) Batalian. Devoted father of Sona Chookoorian and Taleen Batalian. Loving grandfather of Armen and Ara Chookoorian. Brother of the late Marie Chichmanian, Eugenie B. Hagopian, Ovssanna DerSimonian, Zarouhie Hollisian. He was also the father of Raffi Batalian.
Khatchadour lived in Beirut, Lebanon until 1969 at which time he came to the United States and settled in Watertown. He was the owner and operator of Camera Exchange of Waltham for 34 years. He and Chenorig enjoyed traveling, one of their most special trips being to Armenia in 2006. They hosted many large family gatherings over the years where they would prepare fantastic Armenian and Lebanese foods.
Private funeral services will be held at St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church, Watertown. A private graveside service will be held at Newton Cemetery in Newton, MA. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, current public health and safety measures will be followed. Social distancing and face masks will be required. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church, 38 Elton Avenue, Watertown, MA.
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Hirair Hovnanian, a prominent American-Armenian, businessman and national philanthropist, died on April 9. His funeral was held the following day in Yerevan.
Born in 1930, Hovnanian arrived in the country by freighter in 1951 and graduated from Villanova University in 1956 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Hovnanian was the president and founder of Hovsons, Inc. in 1963, one of the most successful land and housing development companies privately held in the US. “Hovnanian is referred to in books as one of the innovators of the concept of large-scale adult communities of single-family homes located on individual lots,” according to an obituary published by the Asbury Park Press.
Aside from his notable business accomplishments, Hovnanian was also involved in many charitable efforts, including the Boy Scouts of America, Villanova University and hospitals and universities based in New Jersey.
Hovnanian contributed greatly to the global Armenian community, serving as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund and one of the founders of the Armenian Assembly of America. In addition, he was a friend of the Hairenik Association and the Armenian Cultural Association of America.
Armenian President Armen Sarkissian, PM Nikol Pashinyan and Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan have all expressed their condolences.
Hovnanian was predeceased by his wife Anna. He is survived by his children Siran, Edele, Armen, Tanya and Leela, two sons-in-law Toros and Levon and five grandchildren.
Set Charles Momjian, 91, of Huntingdon Valley, well-known antiques collector and advisor to presidents, died on Monday, April 12 after a long illness.
He was born in Atlantic City in 1930 to Julia and Charles Momjian, both orphaned refugees from the Armenian genocide who were raised by American missionaries. Charles died at an early age and the family, which included younger brother Albert, had a difficult time during the Depression era.
Mr. Momjian attended Atlantic City High School, LaSalle College and Charles Morris Price School of Advertising. After school, he joined the Army, where upon learning that the platoon photographer would have his own private quarters, spent a weekend learning all he could about photography. Returning to Atlantic City, he used this skill again, as the official photographer for the Miss America pageant.
He began and ended his long professional career at Ford Motor Company, including years as a marketing executive at Philco-Ford, Ford Aerospace and ultimately as a Washington liaison for the company.
Mr. Momjian is best known and remembered for his dual passions of antique collecting and politics. A serendipitous find of an old gun under the Atlantic City boardwalk when he was a young boy inspired his lifelong love of antiques. During a 1987 interview about his collecting on the Today show, he said “collecting is in the marrow of my bones.” His son Chris said his father “spent every free minute he had digging through stalls at flea markets, talking with dealers at antique shows or attending auctions. I’d go along with him, leaving before dawn; my ‘reward’ at the end of the long day was usually an antique pocket knife for my collection.”
Early in his collecting career, following advice from the Grolier Club, he pursued first edition books, but his obsession quickly expanded into other areas, as he built his Americana collection that spans genres from soda fountain fixtures and coin-op machines, to rare historical manuscripts and early photography. He is nationally known for his collection of White House and presidential china, much of which has been on loan to presidential libraries. Mr. Momjian loved sharing his passion for collecting with others and was in demand as a speaker many groups throughout the country. Today objects from his collections are on loan to numerous museums and historic sites.
A chance encounter with Jimmy Carter during his presidential campaign led to decades of service and advice to presidential campaigns and Presidents from both political parties. Mr. Momjian served the Carter Campaign as Director of Special Projects. Merging his passion for art and politics, he worked with modern artists including Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, commissioning artwork to be sold to raise funds for the DNC. Through the sale of the Inaugural Impressions portfolio, funds were raised to keep the DC museums open late for visitors to the nation’s capital. Following the election, President Carter nominated Mr. Momjian as a US representative to the United Nations with the rank of ambassador, the first person of Armenian descent to hold the position. He later served as a delegate to the UN Commission on Human Rights in Geneva and chairman of the DNC’s Ethnic-American Committee.
He supervised Presidential gifts to heads of states, often combining a special printing of a presidential speech presented in a fine binding. He had miniature Liberty Bells cast from an old chip from the crack in the original bell and presented one to the Queen of England when she visited Independence National Historical Park on America’s Bicentennial. He made sure there was always American art in the White House, often lending works from his own collections.
In 1981 President Reagan nominated Mr. Momjian as the only non-Jewish member of the US Holocaust Memorial Council. As an original member of the Council, he was very proud of his work in developing the U.S. Holocaust Museum. During the terms of George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton he continued to work on special projects for both Presidents, the preservation of the collections at the White House and the restoration of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.
Mr. Momjian was equally passionate about his Armenian roots and was committed to the Armenian-American community, holding leadership positions with the Armenian Missionary Association of America, the Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Armenian Assembly the Armenian Sister’s Academy and Knights of Vartan. In 1976, during this country’s Bicentennial he recognized America’s generosity to the Armenian community by raising $1 million to buy a set of tapestries designed by Christian Herter celebrating significant events in American History. The tapestries were purchased from the Armenian Sister’s Academy and then donated to New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Also in 1976, Mr. Momjian participated in the erection of the Meher statue in Philadelphia by the Knights of Vartan.
Over the years Mr. Momjian served on many non-profit boards; among them the Ellis Island Restoration Commission, Balch Institute for Ethnic Studies, African-American Museum, National Holocaust Museum, International League for Human Rights, the Liberty Museum, First Ladies Library, Capitol Children’s Museum, Brandywine Museum and the National Symphony Orchestra. He was a member of the Library Company of Philadelphia, Poor Richard Club, the Union League of Philadelphia and the Huntingdon Valley Country Club.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joan (Reed), sons Bruce (Christine) and Christopher (Gail) and six grandchildren. Arrangements will be private; memorial contributions may be made to the Armenian Martyrs’ Congregational Church, Havertown, PA or the Armenian Missionary Association of America, Paramus, NJ.
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