On Friday, February 15, 2019, in Valencia, Venezuela, our beloved Emilia Samsonovna Babakhanian passed away in her sleep, at the amazing age of 100. Emilia (or Emma as many new her), was born in Tbilisi, Georgia on October 23, 1918, but she was raised in Yerevan, Armenia. Her Armenian parents were Samson Babakhanian, a famous pediatrician in Yerevan and Aukanush Loretzian, a self-educated dentist. Emilia was preceded in death by her husband Gurgen Gasarjian, who died during World War II, her older sister Magda Babakhanian (a Yerevan pediatrician) and her younger brother Isaak Babakhanian (a hydraulic engineer living in Moscow, Russia). Emilia leaves behind on this earth not a very large family, but a very loving one that is strongly united because of her. They include her only daughter, Violetta Gasarjian de Mendez, her granddaughter Jacquelin Mendez Gasarjian (both in Venezuela) and her grandson, Johnny Mendez with wife Kelly and kids Logan and Brianna (all living in Alaska).

Emma spent most of her life in Armenia (part of the Soviet Union at that time) where she graduated and worked as a teacher in various rural schools. Later she worked as an accountant at the Armenian Geological Survey, and finally as an accountant at a watch factory. After retirement in 1979, she moved to Venezuela to be closer to her grandchildren and daughter, married a Venezuelan doctor, Humberto Mendez, whom she met when he studied in Moscow.   

From a young age, Emma was a voracious reader and liked learning about many topics, including literature, poetry, science, geography and medicine. She also loved music, opera, and dance. Through dance is how she met her husband, when they danced Tango in the Gyumri (Leninakan) theater. Emma was a pioneering and hardworking woman, who had to survive the hardships of the World War II era and raise a child without the help of her husband, who disappeared in action in the German-Russian front. She was a frugal person who adopted reuse and recycling ideas before they were popular in our modern environmental movement. For example, she made her own dresses from old curtains and hand-me-down clothes from relatives. She never liked to throw away food: if bread was getting old, she would make French toast, if milk was getting sour, she would make yogurt. Emma was also an amazing cook with great taste and flavor. She made delicious Armenian dishes (like dolma and eggplant caviar), but also Russian (e.g. borsht, blinis) and Venezuelan (e.g. arepas, watermelon jam) recipes and fused dishes from various cultures to inspire her own culinary creations. Friends and neighbors always enjoyed the gifts of her kitchen. Emma was also good with languages; aside from Armenian, she was fluent in Russian, knew a bit of German, and later in life acquired a great working knowledge of Spanish (it helped that she liked watching Venezuelan soap-operas). In her 100 years of life she saw many changes in the world, from horse drawn carriages to space ships that reached the moon, from radios to the advent of television, computers, and the internet; but through it all she learned to adapt and survive.

Grandma Emma or babushka like many of us called her, taught us many life lessons like loving and being faithful to your family, being honest and polite, appreciating nature and our planet, how hard work can help you advance in life, to make something useful of our lives, and to strive to broaden our minds by learning new things when possible. We will sorely miss Emma, her love, teachings and also her delicious food! Thanks Emma, for sharing your long life with us!

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PROVIDENCE, RI—Surrounded by his loving family, David Ayriyan, age 85, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 18, 2019.

Born in Baku, David fled with his family when bloody pogroms by Azeri Turks against the Armenian community swept the region. David and his family found freedom in Rhode Island, where he would eventually become the state’s most prominent folk artist and a treasured member of the local Armenian community.

David was also a world-renowned master of the second most ancient string instrument—the kamancha. He played around the world, including the Library of Congress, Armenia and Azerbaijan. He performed solos, as well as with his two sons Gregory and Levon. He also collaborated with other international folk artists; one such acclaimed piece called Triple Decker told the story of one tenement where traditional folk artists from three different continents made their home.

David was a kind and earnest family man—a man of great character and honor, and he always valued those around him. He always reminded his sons to be smart and make the right choices. He told everyone to be the best they could be at whatever they did and wished them success. David will always be loved; his spirit will live on through his family and close friends.

David is survived by his wife of 56 years, Julieta; four sons: Gregory, Artur, Daniel, and Levon; and 11 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church, 402 Broadway, Providence, Rhode Island at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. inside the sanctuary. Interment will be at North Burial Ground, Branch Avenue, Providence.

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Kanare Babayan led an extraordinary life. Born in New Britain, Connecticut to Alexan and Araxie (Bagdasarian) Edgarian, she excelled at school, sang Armenian songs, danced and acted in plays with her large, extended family of early immigrants from Tiflis and Tabriz. They built a cultural and church life around their Armenian heritage, welcomed and helped settle each wave of newcomers and ceaselessly supported the quest for a free and safe Armenian homeland through the years. She continued the tradition of her grandmother Anna, her mother Araxie and her aunts, founding members of the Armenian Relief Society (ARS), training for nursing and first aid at Agnouni’s call to help their countryfolk. Kanare was chosen to recite for Gen. Karekin Nejdeh during his 1933 visit to America to found the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF).

In 1942, she married the love of her life, Vigen Khachig Babayan and moved to New York, then New Jersey, Indianapolis and finally Newton and Needham, Massachusetts. They worked as a team until his death in 1995. Together they raised three children and supported Armenian community life. The building of Sts. Vartanantz Church and the 1964 New York World’s Fair Armenian Festival were planned on Kanare’s dining room table, as was the Dikran Tsamhour Hall at Camp Haiastan.

Kanare served on every town committee that interested her while her children were growing up in rural Livingston, New Jersey before it had an Armenian church. She generously volunteered at local hospitals, pitched baseballs to her son, led her daughters’ Brownies and spent every weekend at Sts. Vartanantz. She hosted droves of visitors from all over the world, as well as friends and relatives at her warm and inviting home. George Mardikian sought her recipes for his cookbook. The Armenian chorus and dance group picnicked in her garden, entertaining the entire neighborhood with the Armenian culture.

In Indianapolis, she was a docent at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, a hospital volunteer and a host for Aram Khachatourian when he conducted the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Kanara was also the fastest at completing New York Times crossword puzzles.

After Vigen retired from Stokely Van Camp, they moved to the Boston area where he became a researcher at Harvard Medical School’s New England Deaconess Hospital. Kanare joined the Soseh Chapter of the ARS and ran the Social Service Center in Watertown. They both enjoyed performances of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, for which Kanare continued their subscription for over 30 years. Theirs was an active social life at North Hill, where they were famous as the first couple on the dance floor at every celebration. Kanare helped organize the library there, tutored immigrants in English and was known for her elegant presence and high heels.     

Kanare was the mother of Tamar (& Berge) Hajian of Gainesville, FL, Dr. Richard K. (& Sonya Nersessian) Babayan of Weston, MA, and Sona (& Derenig) Petrossian of Waban, MA; grandmother of Arsen Hajian of Brookline, MA, Aram (& Marianna) Hajian of Yerevan, Armenia and Araxe Hajian Royster of Charlottesville, VA, Ani (& Seth) Levy of Maplewood, NJ and Sevan (& Julie) Petrossian of Bethesda, MD, Julie Babayan of Washington, DC and Christopher Babayan of Newton, MA; great grandmother of Krikor and Nyiri Hajian, Gabriel and Owen Royster, Arpi, Sarene and Sipan Hajian, Siran and Andon Levy, and Taline and Alexan Petrossian. She was the sister of the late Arthur, Gerald and Harold Edgarian and is survived by many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

To her children, she embodied the kind of person we all strive to be: intelligent, loving, principled, forgiving, accepting and generous. She gave of herself in partnership with her husband, whose devotion to family and nation was unparalleled. Kanare’s children and grandchildren, far and near, surrounded and communicated with her during her final hours on earth. She left us with a gentle reminder that life is what you make of what you are dealt. She made the most of hers. Her legacy binds this family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in Kanare’s memory be directed to the Armenia Tree Project, 400 W. Cummings Park, Woburn, MA 01801.

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Musicologist Krikor Pidedjian died on July 30, 2019. Maestro Pidedjian was internationally recognized as a talented musicologist, whose long career contributed to furthering the quality of Armenian cultural life and depth of knowledge in Armenian music.

Krikor Pidedjian was born into a musical family in Alexandria, Egypt on August 17, 1935. His father Bedros had been a volunteer in the Armenian Legion. His mother Marie was a fountain of knowledge insofar as Armenian song was concerned. His love of music was further nurtured by his music teacher, Garbis Aprigian, at the Boghosian National School.

Years later, he studied at the Theological Seminary of the Holy See of the Great House of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon under the prominent hymnologist Knel Vardapet Jerejian and famed musicologist Hampartzoum Berberian. He subsequently studied at the Beirut Conservatory while he bore the dual responsibilities of teacher at the Seminary and musical director of the St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral of the Catholicosate. In 1960, he formed a 30-member male chorus to sing the mass composed by Komitas Vardapet on solemn occasions. 

In 1962, he came to New York, and with the blessing of one of Komitas Vardapet’s famous students, ethnomusicologist and song collector Mihran Toumajan, he formed the Kousan Chorus. This group performed for about ten years, eventually forming the core of the Armenian Cultural Association, now known as Hamazkayin. Pidedjian was one of that association’s founders.  

In 1964, together with dance director Nvart Hamparian, he organized the first Armenian song and dance ensemble in America. The 120-member group showcased its talent on “Armenia day” at the World’s Fair in the same year to an audience of over 10,000. Pidedjian was recognized for his work by New York State Governor Nelson Rockefeller.

In 1970, he received a BS degree in choral conducting from the Mannes School of Music, where in his senior year, he had been the assistant conductor of the choir of the Mannes College of Music. He received an MS from Hunter College thereafter. For many years he taught music in the New York City public school system.

In that same year, Pidedjian also established the professional choir at St. Vartan Cathedral in New York City and conducted it until 1981.

Pidedjian’s arrangements and original compositions of religious, patriotic and folk music have drawn audiences in Armenia, Argentina, Canada, Egypt, France, Greece, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and the United States. His string orchestral and brass concerts were unique in their creativity and inspiration. He was always a generous source of information for all with an interest in Armenian music.

His music has appeared in the official publications of the Catholicosate of Etchmiadzin (Etchmiadzin), the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia (Hask), as well as in many religious and secular publications in the United States. He regularly contributed essays and critiques of books and musical compositions to the Armenian press in both Armenia and the Diaspora. He continually gave lectures to the Armenian communities in the United States. A compact disc recording entitled Yergapsak (“Wreath of Song”) dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide was made in Armenia under the directorship of Pidedjian.

His books in Armenian include Andzink Nviryalk (“Devoted Persons”); The Place of Armenian Revolutionary Songs in Armenian Music; Is Krikor Narekatzi a Hymnographer?; Kristapor Kara-Murza; and The Music of the Armenian Church (in Armenian and English).

On October 17, 2008, Pidedjian was made a member of Armenia’s prestigious Society of Composers and Musicologists. On October 23, 2010, a grandiose celebration marking Pidedjian’s 75th birthday and the 50th anniversary of his contribution to the world of Armenian music was organized by Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory Director Sergey Sarajian and Publication Department Director Gohar Shagoyan at the House-Museum of Aram Khatchaturian. On this occasion, Yerazhshtakan Hayastan (“Musical Armenia”) periodical director Gohar Shagoyan dedicated issue 2(37) to the Pidedjian’s life and contributions to Armenian music.

Krikor Pidedjian was the recipient of numerous awards and commendations, including the St. Nerses Shnorhali medal from His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, a gold medal from the Central Committee of Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society and an Honorary Professor Diploma from the Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory. 

The Dahn Gark visitation took place on August 1 at St. Gregory the Enlightener Armenian Church in White Plains, New York, followed by funeral services at the same church and interment at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Flushing, New York on August 2nd. Krikor Pidedjian is survived by his wife, Beatrice (Kachian); son Datev and wife Jeanne; son, Antovk and wife Ani; grandchildren, Alexandra, Adam, Stephen, Kyle and Daron; brother Boghos and wife Takouhie; and sister Haigouhie Ganimian.  

Memorial donations may be made to:

St. Nersess Armenian Seminary
486 Bedford Road
Armonk, NY 10504

or

Hamazkayin Eastern United States
80 Bigelow Avenue
Watertown, MA 02472

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The Armenian scholarly community is grieving the loss of renowned genocide researcher and author Vahakn Dadrian, who passed away on August 2, 2019. He was 93 years old.  

Vahakn Norair Dadrian was born on May 26, 1926 in Istanbul, Turkey. “Vahakn Dadrian was born ten years after the Armenian Genocide,” noted Armenian President Armen Sarkissian in his condolence letter to the Dadrian family. “It is, probably, no accident that he dedicated the major part of his life to genocide and especially the Armenian Genocide studies, making a great contribution to the internalization and the fight against denial of the Genocide through his valuable monographies and publications,” wrote Sarkissian.

Over the course of his lifetime, Dadrian achieved degrees in mathematics, philosophy, international law and sociology, studying at the University of Berlin, University of Vienna, University of Zurich and University of Chicago, respectively. His interdisciplinary background coupled with his impressive mastery of six languages (Armenian, English, French, German, Turkish and Ottoman Turkish) supported his expertise of comparative genocide studies.

A Director of Genocide Research at the Zoryan Institute, Dadrian was known for his voluminous writings on the Armenian Genocide including his 1995 work, The History of the Armenian Genocide: Ethnic Conflict from the Balkans to Anatolia to the Caucasus. Istanbul-Armenian member of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Garo Paylan tweeted in Armenian and Turkish that Dadrian’s book “played an important role in the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide.”

In 2011, he co-authored Judgment at Istanbul: The Armenian Genocide Trials with Clark University professor and historian Taner Akçam. In his somber reflection on Facebook, Akçam recalled his formal remarks during a 2005 event in New York City honoring his late friend and invaluable, lifelong mentor. “There is no doubt that whatever discussion we’ll have [in Armenian Genocide research field], it will be built on the body of knowledge that Dadrian has provided for us,” expressed Akçam.

There has been an outpouring of support and sympathy from admirers and fellow scholars since Dadrian’s passing. He was a true trailblazer. “More than anyone else at the time, Dadrian raised the study of the Armenian Genocide to the academic level, and everyone who has come after him is indebted to his work—even those who disagree with him,” said Marc Mamigonian, National Association of Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) Director of Academic Affairs. “When we look at the remarkable development of Armenian Genocide scholarship in the past two decades, it must be understood that this was made possible by the foundation created by Dadrian’s groundbreaking work.” 

As Akçam put it, this “is a big loss for Armenians and humanity.” Arguably the most influential authority figure in Armenian Genocide research, Dadrian was “the master of us all whose hearts beat for justice and humanity.”

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SANTA MONICA, Calif.—Acclaimed Armenian singer and performer Adiss Harmandian has died. His family announced that Harmandian peacefully passed away at the UCLA Santa Monica Hospital on September 1 after a 15-year struggle with cancer. He was 74 years old.

Harmandian, who was born on January 14, 1945 in Beirut, broke into the music scene in Beirut in the 1960s with the song “Dzaghigner” (Flowers) and never looked back. Many of his early hits, written by songwriter Hasmig Manasserian, made Adiss a household name in every corner of the Armenian Diaspora. 

During his career, Harmandian recorded some 40 albums (more than 400 songs), many of which became hits throughout the Armenian Diaspora, becoming a pioneer of what is referred to as “estradayin” genre of Armenian popular music.

His hits include “Nune,” “Ayl Acher Gan,” “Karoun Karoun,” “Mdamolor,” “Mi Latsatsnir,” “Ayl Acher,” “Akhtamar” and “Kisher e Kisher.” 

In 2005, Harmandian received the prestigious St. Mesrob Mashdots Medal of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia for his role in spreading Armenian music.

In 2015, Harmandian published a biographical volume titled “Adiss, Yerki Jampov” (roughly, “Adiss: Along the Road of Songs”) that charts his life and musical career. 

For over two generations, Harmandian’s songs have made an incredible impression on the lives of millions of Armenians. Doubtless, his songs will continue to fill Armenian homes and weddings for generations to come.

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On September 4, 2019,  Marian (Sanders) Bandazian passed away in her home in St. Petersburg, Florida. Marian was born on July 23, 1940 in Teaneck, New Jersey. She was the wife of Dr. Walter Bandazian; mother of Peri and Lori Bandazian; grandmother of Lily and Lucy Montorio; daughter of Kohar and Vahram Sandrakortzian; and sister of Armen Sanders.

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Harry Berj Telian passed away peacefully on September 7, 2019. He was 93 years old.

Harry was born in Syracuse, New York to parents Hagop and Venus Telian. He was raised in a small and vibrant Armenian community. Always a bright student, Harry started attending Syracuse University when he was 17 years old. However, after his freshman year, Harry decided to enlist in the Army Air Force and served his country during World War II. In 1946, Harry went back to Syracuse and eventually graduated in 1949. 

In 1948 at an AYF picnic at Camp Haiastan, Harry met the love of his life—Joyce Kazanjian from Watertown. Harry and Joyce were married on July 3, 1949 on Syracuse University’s campus at Hendricks Chapel by Archbishop Tirayre. Nine months (and three weeks) later, Harry and Joyce welcomed their first son Jack into the world. During their 70 years of marriage, Harry and Joyce were loving parents to five children, proud grandparents to seven grandchildren, and great-grandparents to their three great-grandsons. 

Harry was always hardworking. His career reflects his talents as a bright, friendly people person with a knack for sales. At a young age, Harry worked in the family dry cleaning business while selling mutual funds at night. His work ethic soon led to ownership of his own laundromat. With an insatiable thirst for a challenge, Harry ultimately sold the store and began to pursue his passion for sales and finance full-time. Harry became a stock broker. 

Some years later, as they were expecting their fourth child, Alice, Harry was hired by a Boston firm, and Joyce finally convinced him to move to Boston. They settled in Dedham, Massachusetts and welcomed their fifth child Lisa. Harry finished his career as regional vice president for The John Nuveen Company.

Harry retired at 65 and much to his surprise, truly enjoyed his retirement. He served on the Board of Trustees at Saint Stephen’s Armenian Church, even running the bazaar for a few years. Retirement allowed Harry and Joyce to travel and take cruises, visit their children, babysit for their granddaughter Valerie, bowl and play tennis. 

Harry was a lifelong learner, always eager to take a computer or cooking class, read a new book or try out something new he read about on the computer. He loved watching the stock market and calling into Mad Money and other financial programs. Harry will be remembered most for his huge heart, twinkling eyes, big smile and incredible generosity.   

Harry was the epitome of a good husband, the most loving father, as well as the proudest grandfather and great grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 70 years Joyce Telian; his younger sister Alice Najarian; his children Jack and wife Cathy; Karen and husband Steve; Alan and wife Nancy; Alice and husband Larry; and Lisa and husband Rich; their seven grandchildren, Lani and husband J.R.; Adam and wife Michelle; Valerie and fiancé Chris; Tyler, Victoria, Samantha and Alexandra; his three great-grandsons and countless relatives and close family friends.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Harry’s funeral service at Saint Stephen’s Armenian Church, 38 Elton Avenue, Watertown on Tuesday, September 17 at 11:00 a.m. At the request of the family, there are no visiting hours. Interment at Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge. Arrangements by Aram Bedrosian Funeral Home, Watertown. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services (PO Box 98018, Washington, DC 20090-8018).

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Diramayr Lousin Keshishian, the beloved mother of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, has passed away. Diramayr died on September 14, 2019 in Lebanon. Funeral services were held in Antelias, Lebanon on Wednesday.

On this sad occasion of her passing, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Eastern US Central Committee on behalf of its entire membership in the region, extends its deepest condolences to His Holiness and his brothers—Hrach, Hovik, Avedis and Levon Keshishian—their families and relatives. Let her memory be blessed, and may God rest her soul.

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Helen Baronian passed away peacefully on September 28, 2019 at age 93. She was born in Worcester, Massachusetts to Hovannes and Margaret (nee Karagavoorian) Baronian, both of whom were survivors of the Armenian Genocide. She first grew up in the tightly-knit “Laurel Street” Armenian neighborhood of Worcester and later moved with her family to Medford, Massachusetts, where, as a gifted student, she graduated with honors from Medford High School. She was also an active member of the Medford chapter of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF). During World War II, in which her brother John served in the Pacific with the Army Air Corps, she played the role of comforting her parents during this tense and difficult period and, in particular, taking care of her mother, who had to have her leg amputated because of diabetes. Her role as caregiver stalled plans to attend college and served as a reflection of her deep devotion to her parents who had lost their first set of children in the Armenian Genocide.

After her mother passed away in 1948, Helen went to work in various jobs in the Boston area but finally settled on Arkwright Insurance Company in Waltham, Massachusetts, where she quickly rose through the ranks. In the 1970s, she became the first woman executive in the company, becoming head of the Underwriting Department and Assistant Vice President. She was often tasked to travel to the company’s regional offices where she oversaw their underwriting work and gave seminars to employees. Because of her thoroughness and attention to detail, the president of Arkwright also chose her to arrange company retreats for executives in as faraway places as Bermuda. As the first female executive in the company, she played a special role in mentoring younger women, who greatly appreciated her advice and friendship.

Helen was very proud of her Armenian heritage. In addition to being an AYF member and an active alumnus, she taught Sunday School at St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Watertown, Massachusetts. She also volunteered for Friends of Armenian Culture Society (FACS), especially its longstanding Armenian night at POPS, and was a member of the Armenian Assembly of America. Together with her late sister Betty, she hosted numerous parties in their Medford home for Armenian groups as well as Tufts University where her brother John was an active alumnus and trustee.  

Devoted to her family, she was a very generous aunt to her three nephews: John, Gregory and Ara Aftandilian, taking them to movies as kids and on various trips when they were older. She was also dedicated to her siblings: John, Betty and Stella, and her brother-in-law, Victor, as well as numerous uncles, aunts and cousins who were part of her extended family.  

Helen took special pride in her Cape Cod house in Falmouth, Massachusetts, which she had built shortly after she retired from Arkwright. She loved to entertain relatives and friends there and see her nephews and their spouses, grandnephews and grandnieces come by and visit. Nothing gave her greater joy than to be around family. She was known to have a bell at the dinner table and would ring it whenever there was any unpleasant conversation. She taught everyone that they should be grateful for what they had and to always be kind to those less fortunate, an important lesson for us all. 

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Krafian, Mary (Tourian) of Watertown, Massachusetts (formerly of Waltham, Massachusetts) passed away after a lenghty illness on Tuesday, December 10—one week before her 89th birthday, surrounded by her loving family.

She was predeceased by her husband of over 56 years Yervant Krafian. Devoted mother of Nora Hackett and her husband David, Ara Krafian and his wife Heather. Loving grandmother of David Ara, Mari, Araxi, Nairi, Ani, Anoush and Knar. Loving sister of Sonia Zerdelian and her husband Garbis. Loving sister-in-law of Sourpoug Berberian and her husband Berge. Loving aunt to many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her brothers-in-law Vahan and Hovsep Kalfayan and sister-in-law Maro Manavian.

Born in Cairo, Egypt, May immigrated to Montreal, Canada in 1962 and settled in Waltham, Massachusetts in 1976. She worked alongside her husband at Eddy’s fine men’s shirts, where for 50 years they ran the business, which her husband founded in Cairo, and later opened on St. Catherine Street in Montreal, Newbury Street in Boston and finally Washington Street in Newton. She was a devoted member of the Armenian Relief Society (ARS); last year she received her 50-year pin acknowledging her many years of service with the ARS.

Mary’s most treasured place was with her family. She loved to spend time with her children and grandchildren, which she always doted over. She will be dearly missed by all of them.

A wake will be held at Bedrosian Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 18 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held on December 19 at 11 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Watertown, Massachusetts. Burial will be at Highland Meadow Cemetery, Belmont, Massachusetts.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School (47 Nichols Ave., Watertown, Massachusetts, 02472), ARS Cambridge “Shushi” Chapter (47 Nichols Ave., Watertown, Massachusetts, 02472) or St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church. 

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With sadness the family of Richard A. Berjian announces his passing while visiting family in California on Monday, December 9, 2019 at the age of 90 vibrant years. 

Richard will be lovingly remembered by his beloved wife of 59 years Sally; his 3 daughters Janice, Leslie and Stephanie; his eight grandchildren; three sons-in-law, surviving extended family and many great friends. Richard was predeceased by his father Parker Berjian, mother Elizabeth Berjian and sister Gladys Aslanian.

A dedicated physician and surgical oncologist, enthusiastic and devoted medical researcher, compelling storyteller and novelist, talented musician, Richard lived a life with pristine integrity, optimism and passion in all his endeavors. His unique and enduring perspective on life touched family and friends alike! He was and shall always be remembered forever young. 

A funeral service in memory of Richard will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2019 10:00 am at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 623 SE Ocean Bld., Stuart, FL. Interment to follow at Forest Hills Funeral Home, 2001 SW Murphy Road, Palm City, FL. Afterward, 12:30 pm luncheon welcome for all who wish to attend at Willoughby Golf Club, 3001 SE Doubleton Dr, Stuart, FL. A memorial service yet to be announced will be performed in Bergen County, NJ. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Armenian EyeCare Project, Special Olympics, and St. David Armenian Church, Boca Raton, FL.

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George Giragos Odian, distinguished Professor Emeritus of Chemistry at the College of Staten Island, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2019 at the age of 86 at his home in New York City.

A lifelong New Yorker, George was born to Kazar and Bagzada (Manoogian) Odian, Armenian immigrants and survivors of the Armenian Genocide. Excelling academically, he majored in chemistry and graduated from the City College of New York with a Bachelor of Science and Columbia University with a PhD. After serving as Research Director for Radiation Applications, Inc., he moved to academia where he taught and led research programs first at Columbia University and then for over 50 years at the College of Staten Island.

Dr. Odian was world-renowned in his field of Polymer Science (the science of large molecules most often utilized in creating plastics). He authored over 75 research papers and four texts including the preeminent text in the field of Polymer Science – a text translated into 14 languages, utilized worldwide and was even pirated in nations that ignore intellectual property rights. Scores of students received their doctorate degrees under his mentoring and today are found in universities and research laboratories throughout the world. In 2014 the American Chemical Society honored Dr. Odian as the recipient of the Paul Flory Polymer Education Award. This highly prestigious honor is bestowed only once every two years to a single individual in recognition of outstanding achievements in promoting polymer education. As one of his colleagues noted, “Dr. Odian not only created our polymer program but placed our university on the global map.”

George Odian’s joys went far beyond the classroom. He treasured time with family and friends. He was an avid photographer, an ardent follower of jazz music and cooked with creativity. He was a true student of baseball as well as an enthusiastic supporter of his home team, the New York Yankees.

Dr. Odian is survived by his son, Dr. Michael Odian (Maureen), granddaughters Mary and Michaela, his brother Mesrob, sister-in-law and friend Sondra, nephew Mark, niece Cristen and their children Ani, Alivia and Alaina. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Armenian EyeCare Project, San Dimas, CA or to the Tammy Dermksian Fund at St. Illuminator’s Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, New York City.

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Guest contributions to the Armenian Weekly are informative articles written and submitted by members of the community, which make up our community bulletin board.

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Guest contributions to the Armenian Weekly are informative articles written and submitted by members of the community, which make up our community bulletin board.

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This tribute contains comments that were delivered at a memorial luncheon that took place on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at the Hackensack Golf Club in Emerson, NJ which followed John’s interment in the Garden of Memories Mausoleum in Washington Township, NJ and his funeral at Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church in Ridgefield, NJ.

I know that John’s spirit is enjoying all the stories his family and friends will tell about him and their times together as we remember him today.

The Najarians were of Dikranagerdtsi extraction, as were the members of my own family. We were active in the Union City and West New York regions of New Jersey, which in the years following the Armenian Genocide and leading up to the 1950s, comprised “Little Dikranagerd” because so many refugees from that region of Western Armenia resettled there. 

My association with John Najarian was more than that of one individual to another, but rather to the entire Najarian family. It started with John’s father, Charles Najarian, who operated a grocery store in West New York, NJ, and despite his business cares and responsibilities of raising three children with his wife Vergine, managed to devote time to their beloved Armenian community. Sometime in the 1950s, I served on the auditing committee with Charles to review the records of the Board of Trustees of the Armenian Apostolic Church of NJ, which was before Sts. Vartanantz Church was built. 

Next comes Adrienne, John’s sister, with whom I sang in the church choir and the Armenian National Chorus of New York conducted by Armen Babamian. On my way to rehearsals at the McBurney YMCA, located at Seventh Avenue and 23rd Street in Manhattan, I used to pick up and drop off Adrienne (later Mahlebjian). She especially liked to talk to me in our Dikranagerdtsi dialect using pungent expressions that revealed her fine sense of humor. 

Then comes John’s older brother Harold with whom I would pal around during our youth. He introduced me to his circle of odar friends in West New York, and they invited me to join them on their excursions to Belmar and the Jersey Shore during the summers. Harold and I double-dated with Diane and Alice, who eventually became our wives.

The Najarian family was a very musical one. John’s sister Adrienne had a beautiful soprano voice. Adrienne’s twin daughters Lynn and Lisa sing just like her. Even today, Lynn continues to sing as a member of the Sts. Vartanantz Choir. John’s brother Harold loves classical music, particularly opera. And unbeknownst to most people, Harold has a first-rate operatic tenor voice. He didn’t sing in any choir, Armenian or otherwise, nor did he perform in public. And it’s unfortunate that he chose to hide his light under a bushel. However, he maintained his interest in music and would go into Manhattan to attend the Sunday afternoon broadcasts of the NBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Arturo Toscanini. On one such occasion, when Harold was sitting in the front row close to where the conductor was standing, Toscanini, who was known for his vigorous style, happened to strike his baton against a music stand. It flew out of his hand and skidded along the floor to where Harold was sitting. Harold stooped down to pick it up and held on to it. No one came to reclaim it, even after the concert was over, so he kept it and I presume he still has it to this day. A fitting souvenir.

Now John also liked to sing. But he didn’t quite have the equipment that Adrienne and Harold had. But that didn’t stop him. He would sing at the drop of a hat and whenever it suited him. Many times during our poker sessions, if he won a significantly large pot, he would break out into song, such as “Im chinari yaruh,” an Armenian folk song that extolls the virtues of the beloved and likens her to the praiseworthiness of a beautiful plane tree. 

My association with John centered on the activities that took place in or around Armenia Hall in Union City, New Jersey and our active involvement in the affairs of Sts. Vartanantz Church, the Sts. Vartanantz Men’s Club, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Alumni Association, and the Armenian Seniors of Sts. Vartanantz, St. Leon, and St. Thomas churches. Back in the old days, before Sts. Vartanantz was built, Armenia Hall, the hub of Armenian community activity at that time, was located at the junction of Hudson Boulevard and Kerrigan Avenue, which were not quite parallel. Armenia Hall was located at the triangle where those two avenues met. So Armenia Hall was a triangular shaped building (with half a second floor), owned by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) and which was also used by the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) and the AYF for their many activities such as cultural events, plays, concerts, lectures, meetings, political gatherings, hantesses and dinners. 

It was divided into two portions. Most activities took place in the larger hall with the higher ceiling. The other hall had a low ceiling, and that’s where the members of the AYF basketball team had mounted a basketball hoop to one wall just below the ceiling. Because of that low ceiling, the basketball could not be arced in the customary way to shoot into the basket. It had to be thrown with a shallow arc in order to make the shot. And this difficulty they managed to surmount and eventually became crackerjack shooters. 

Those of you who knew John know what a superb athlete he was and how much he loved to play basketball, among other sports. This family trait is shared by his son Jeff, his daughters Sharon and Sandy, and his nephew Steve Mahlebjian, who all played with distinction for Sts. Vartanantz in the Armenian Churches Sports Association as well as with the AYF.

At various times, the AYF basketball team of Union City included, besides John Najarian, other outstanding athletes such as John Kazanjian, Charles (Buby) and Dick Shareshian, Marty Kavazanjian and Harry Bakalian. This all-victorious team in the AYF league became legendary. 

John liked to talk about the old days and Armenia Hall. One of his favorite anecdotes had to do with a challenge to a basketball match that the AYF chapter received from its rivals in Union City—the Armenian General Athletic Union (AGAU). The AGAU was the American version of the Homenetmen, replete with a Boy Scout troop. It was led by Mike Megerdichian. Only the Homenetmen had a political orientation whereas the AGAU did not; the AGAU’s motto was “no politics.” But of course no politics meant “no nationalism.” And so all the things that were taught to the AYF kids such as Armenian history, the First Armenian Republic, its leaders, our national flag, anthem and coat of arms were denied to the youth of the AGAU. And the consequences were predictable. The AYF is still flourishing today, whereas the AGAU organization is defunct. 

Mike Megerdichian was so proud of his AGAU basketball team that he challenged the AYF team to a tournament and arranged for a trophy to be given to the winning team. Well, the AYF team trounced the AGAU team, and when it came time for a presentation of the trophy, Mike could not be found. He had run off with the trophy because he could not bear to present it to the rival team.

Another incident that occurred at Armenia Hall that John liked to talk about had to do with the caretaker, who, in addition to his other duties, would serve refreshments to the members of the Men’s Club who would meet on the second floor where they would play tavli and pinochle. And on one occasion, the caretaker approached one of the card players with a tray containing four cups of demi-tasse coffee. The player said, “I didn’t order that.” The caretaker replied, “You certainly did! I heard you!” The player insisted that he hadn’t, and the caretaker, who was short tempered, got so angry, he threw the tray, cups, coffee and all against the wall where they were playing.

The things that John and I would reminisce about went beyond Armenia Hall and addressed the goings-on of the Armenian community as a whole in Union City and West New York. As a matter of fact, one week before John’s demise, we were talking about the juicy gossip items that occasionally made the rounds, which included who was carrying on with whose wife. Oh yeah, our chaste Armenian community had its peccadilloes and more than one skeleton in the closet. And John was conversant with all of it. Very little escaped his discerning eye. Like a true Dikranagerdtsi, John had a well-developed sense of humor. Very often, his comments were quite humorous and provoked laughter. 

John was not a superficial Armenian but one who felt his Armenian identity in his bones. Not only was he active in our many community organizations, but he was extremely knowledgeable about Armenian affairs, current events and history. He was a fluent Armenian speaker. He went out of his way to keep himself apprised of what was happening to the Armenians in the news and on the battlefront. And what he did not know, he would ask about, always curious to be on top of what was being accomplished by Armenians. Any time there was an Armenian project that needed support, John would be among the first to donate funds and would do so generously. 

John’s activities in church and social organizations revealed his ability as a first-rate leader. He never refused responsibility when it was asked of him. By serving the church, community and its many organizations, John served the Armenian nation. 

John met, fell in love with and married fellow AYFer Sally Chilingirian of Watertown, Massachusetts. They raised three fine Armenian-oriented children—Jeff, Sharon and Sandy. Because these children were subsequently supported in that orientation by their spouses, John and Sally’s many grandchildren are following in these footsteps. 

Asdvadz Hokin Lousavoreh.

Upon the request of the family, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church of Ridgefield, NJ, or Camp Haiastan of Franklin, MA.

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CK Garabed

Weekly Columnist

C.K. Garabed (a.k.a. Charles Kasbarian) has been active in the Armenian Church and Armenian community organizations all his life. As a writer and editor, he has been a keen observer of, and outspoken commentator on, political and social matters affecting Armenian Americans. He has been a regular contributor to the Armenian Reporter and the AGBU Literary Quarterly, “ARARAT.” For the last 30 years, Garabed has been a regular contributor to the Armenian Weekly. He produces a weekly column called “Uncle Garabed's Notebook,” in which he presents an assortment of tales, anecdotes, poems, riddles, and trivia; for the past 10 years, each column has contained a deconstruction of an Armenian surname. He believes his greatest accomplishment in life, and his contribution to the Armenian nation, has been the espousing of Aghavni, and the begetting of Antranig and Lucine.

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Mitch Kehetian.

For so many and for so many years, the name has meaning: whether you were in, or are in journalism circles in Greater Detroit, a member of the Detroit Armenian community, or read any of the Armenian papers.

More people knew Mitch than he actually knew face to face.

For decades, his writings spoke volumes; his convictions were clear. So many readers, over many years, knew Mitch and his sense of the truth and what was right not only for his Greater Detroit newspaper community, but for the Armenian cause. Mitch’s work was broadly respected. His crystal clear thinking reflected a keen mind and transparency; his opinion was sought.

A sense of responsibility, accountability and of American and Armenian patriotism underlined the profession and thinking of this Wayne State University graduate.

Mitch was and will be remembered as a renowned journalist and editor and a spirited American patriot. His commentary in Detroit area newspapers carried meaning and respect; his many years of articles in Armenian press reflected his proud sense of being an Armenian patriot.

His last column for the Armenian Weekly—after many decades of contributions—was printed in July 2019. The subject was the historical Detroit Armenian neighborhood from years back: Delray. What else!

In the community, Mitch was a leader in the formation of the Nor Keghi Association, a gathering of spirited community members from that ancestral region who raise funds to benefit the schoolchildren of Nor Keghi. He also assisted on many April 24 committees in preparing materials for the media.

To many, Mitch’s William Saroyan “look alike” was uncanny.

Mitch’s book Giants of the Earth—a journal about family and history in the Keghi region and historic Armenia—was an extension of his soul, a yearning to fully and physically embrace his roots, his “search” for his father’s sister while walking the land of his father and family.

When discussing the genocide or speaking of Armenia’s independence, Mitch’s voice would reflect conviction. The twinkle in his blue eyes would reflect passion.

Quiet and unassuming in nature, Mitch’s powerful heart and energy were devoted to his “four angels”: wife Rose, daughters Grace, Janet and Karen; cherished grandchildren Melanie, Stephen, John and Michael; his deceased brother Nash’s daughter Sharon and family (Broglin) who became very meaningful to Mitch…and to the Armenian Cause.

Mitch started his newspaper career as a copy boy in 1953—moving quickly to reporter—with the Detroit Times and was with the paper until its demise in 1960.

Kehetian joined the ranks of retirement on Nov.18, 2005 from the Macomb Daily, a suburban Detroit daily newspaper where he served as editorial page editor. Previously he held posts of city editor, managing editor and editor-in-chief with the paper. 

Previously, Mitch held reporting and editorial posts with the Columbus (Ohio) Citizen-Journal, Daily Eagle (western Wayne County – Michigan), and East Side Newspapers-Community News in Detroit.

From his 2005 retirement to the end of 2019, he wrote op-ed pieces for the Macomb Daily.

This is not bestowed on many who retire from journalism.

Mitch had become an institution, a pillar of credibility.

“I love Macomb County,” he would say with that “Mitch twinkle” in his eyes.

Truth in reporting and the public’s right to know what could affect them were paramount to this true professional. “Government and the press are accountable to the people,” he would say with his trademark conviction.

Mitch had presence in any room he walked into. He had professionalism and class.

Mitch’s respect and influence in Macomb County were sought by countless political leaders over the years: US Rep. Jim O’Hara, Sen. Carl Levin, US Rep. Sander Levin, US Rep. Candice Martin and a string of governors from both parties.

He was even appointed as a Trustee of Central Michigan University by Gov. James Blanchard.

Does anyone remember the White House press conference when Mitch asked President Reagan about the Genocide? Reagan’s response was a “yes,” confirming his proclamation on Armenian and Cambodian genocides.

Add to that lunches at the White House no matter who the President was.

In no uncertain terms and for decades, Mitch would bring up congressional Genocide recognition to all those in the Michigan congressional delegation. His voice was heard. A most credible Michigan journalist spoke for past family members and his people.

Every April 24 when working and after retiring, Mitch would write an editorial about the Armenian Genocide.

If Mitch had a favorite among those in politics, it would be the Boniors.

Ed Bonior was a local community activist, community leader and once mayor of East Detroit. His son US Rep. David Bonior was House of Representatives Democratic Majority Whip and a substantial leadership voice for the Armenian Cause for more than 20 years. He led the movement that one year saw the US House pass the Genocide resolution.

Mitch covered both for the Macomb paper.

Mitch’s father and Ed Bonior were also lifelong friends, the foundation for a meaningful lifetime family relationship.

Although he had the opportunity to join the ranks of reporters in either of the larger Detroit Free Press or Detroit News publications, he preferred the small town papers.

“I like small towns and small town personalities,” he would say. “It is more people-oriented. Reporting is about people, very recognizable and personal in small towns.”

In 2006, in recognition of 52 years as an outstanding newspaper reporter, editor and leader in journalism, Mitch was awarded Wayne State University’s coveted Lifetime Achievement Award at the April 6 campus observance of Journalism Day.

Being recognized in one’s profession—peer recognition—is the ultimate honor.

At the awards ceremony, Professor Ben Burns, director of the journalism program at Wayne State, praised Mitch’s career as a journalist, as one who practiced the tenets of truth in reporting and dedicated a lifespan in protecting the public’s right to know and serving the journalism community. 

“This award could very well be known as the Mitch Kehetian Award,” Burns concluded.

In honoring Mitch, Burns addressed the newsman’s stellar service and leadership as president of the Detroit Chapter’s Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and Detroit Press Club.

Mitch said that the 52 years of his career placed him at the sidelines of community history (politics, business, social), and the award from Wayne State’s Department of Communication was an honor he treasured.

Mitch was named General Alexander Macomb Citizen of the Year by the March of Dimes in recognition of his support for the non-profit organization.

Funeral services for Mitch were held February 27 at St. Sarkis Church in Dearborn with Rev. Fr. Hrant Kevorkian officiating.

In reflecting on his recent times with Mitch, Der Hayr noted, “During my weekly visits to Mitch in the past month, even at the time that he was weak, during our conversations, he kept passing along thoughts of Armenian American nationalistic spirit.”

He continued, “I asked him what he thought and if he had something to say, and his response was: teach your children to be proud Armenian-Americans, take them to Armenia, let them know our history and heritage.”

“He asked me to make sure I pass his message to the AYF kids,” Der Hayr added.

Sound advice from a former AYF chairman !

Mitch Kehetian: A profile of prestige and patriotism.

People like Mitch do not come along every day.

We are thankful to have known him.

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Harry Derderian

Harry Derderian is a native of Indian Orchard, Mass and resident of Farmington Hills, Mich. He is a member of the Marketing faculty at Eastern Michigan University as well as adjunct professor of marketing at University of Michigan-Dearborn and adjunct Professor of Business at Schoolcraft Community College.

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Richard Kazanjian died peacefully at his Burlington, Massachusetts home surrounded by his loving family and friends on February 29, 2020.

Born September 8, 1935 in Stoneham, Massachusetts to John and Victoria (Derderian) Kazanjian, Dick spent his youth in Watertown and Medford. After graduation from Tufts University in 1958, he proudly served as an Artillery officer in the United States Marine Corps, with service aboard ship and on land in several countries. Dick and his family lived in Winchester, Mass. for 52 years.

Dick leaves his loving wife of 57 years, Cynthia (Hintlian), son Rick of Chandler, AZ, daughter Andrea Krikorian and her husband Neil Krikorian, and his extraordinary grandsons Vaughan and Cole Krikorian of Tyngsboro, MA. He is also survived by brother-in-law Aram Hintlian and his wife Becky, sister-in-law Nancy Hintlian (Florida), and many nieces, nephews and great nieces. As the eldest of five children, he is predeceased by his brother John Kazanjian and survived by remaining siblings, Barbara Purks, (California), and Robert and Edward Kazanjian (Florida).

Devotion is a word that has best described Dick’s life, whether to his church, his family, or the community. Dick was a devoted member of the First Armenian Church of Belmont, serving as a past chairman of the Board of Trustees and church moderator for many years. After the 1988 earthquake in Armenia, Dick worked to raise money for the Armenian Children’s Milk Fund (Armenian Missionary Association) He was active in the Winchester community as a capital planning board and town meeting member. Dick was a dutiful Scottish Rite Mason after earlier reaching Master Councilor in the Medford DeMolay, and an Aleppo Shriner.

Dick was a past President of Medford Rotary and was recognized as a “Paul Harris Fellow” by Rotary International. He also served as a Board Member of the Medford Co-operative Bank.

Dick will be remembered as a true friend, for his kind and generous nature as well as his superb barbecue skills on display at numerous First Armenian Church and Holy Trinity Armenian Church bazaars, Men’s Clubs, and Sunday family dinners. He loved golf and played in many benefit golf outings. Dick adored his grandsons and was a ubiquitous presence at their sporting events and other activities, enjoying every minute of them.

Visiting hours at The First Armenian Church, 380 Concord Avenue Belmont, MA from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday March 5. Funeral services will be held at the First Armenian Church at 11:00 AM. on Friday, March 6. Interment will be at the Wildwood Cemetery, 34 Palmer Street, Winchester, MA, immediately following funeral services.

In lieu of flowers, please kindly consider donations to the First Armenian Church of Belmont, 380 Concord Avenue, Belmont, MA and the Armenian Missionary Association /City of Smile (Children with Cancer), 31 W. Century Road, Paramus, NJ.

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Sonia Shiragian Blackwell passed away at McLeod Hospice House on March 3, 2020, with her loving family by her side. She was born in New York, NY on February 22, 1928, the daughter of Kayane Ghazarian Shiragian and Arshavir Shiragian.

She grew up as a first-generation Armenian immigrant in Washington Heights, before it became famous as “The Heights.” She enjoyed an idyllic childhood, roaming her beloved Upper Manhattan with cousins and friends, exploring Fort Tryon Park and the Cloisters, roller skating everywhere, including to the corner store for a nickel ice cream treat.

After graduating from The Barnard School for Girls and earning the first place Latin Prize in the entire New York City school system, she attended Smith College and graduated in 1949 with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. Her vocational passion was writing, and she worked for The Bergen Record (NJ) newspaper for several years after college where she was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. She always downplayed the nomination, stating plainly that “everyone is nominated.” She also worked as an Armenian language translator at the United Nations and published a short story in The New Yorker magazine about being Armenian in America. She helped her father Arshavir Shiragian write and translate his memoirs, The Legacy, about his role in avenging the Armenian Genocide, which was published in 1976.

In the early 1960s, she moved to Washington, DC to work with the senator from New Jersey.  There she met and married Frederick Blackwell, her loving husband of 53 years, and with whom she started her third, and most fulfilling chapter: mother and grandmother, where her extraordinary goodness, compassion, brilliance and wry humor were always on display.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and a beloved cousin, Robert Pehlivanian, who was like a brother to her. She is survived by her son Dr. Arshavir Blackwell of West Hollywood, CA; her daughter Elizabeth Blackwell Poston (Britt) of Florence, SC; and her daughter Pinky Blackwell Verma (Richard) of Bethesda, MD. She is also survived by cousins, again as precious to her as siblings: Vasken (Karen) Minassian of Bradenton, FL; John (Joanne) Pehlivanian of Bay Head, NJ; and Christine (Dr. Robert) Shamsey, of Sarasota, FL. Additionally, and to her the most treasured, she is survived by her five grandchildren, whom she adored and nurtured so well, and who in turn adored her: Colby and Cooper Poston and Zoe, Lucy and Dylan Verma. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) or to an animal charity of one’s choice to honor her lifelong love of animals. The family would like to express their gratitude for the dedicated and loving care provided by her health care assistants, Jeanette and Amanda, who helped her maintain a wonderful quality of life for many years.

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Guest contributions to the Armenian Weekly are informative articles written and submitted by members of the community, which make up our community bulletin board.

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On Sunday, March 29, French Armenian politician Patrick Devedjian died in a Parisian hospital from the coronavirus after previously revealing his diagnosis on Twitter. In that message, Devedjian took the opportunity to praise the exceptional work of the medical staff at the hospital where he was being treated.

Born on August 26, 1944 in Fontainebleau (Seine-et-Marne), Devedjian was 75 years old. Devedjian’s father arrived in France in 1919 from Sivas after fleeing the Armenian Genocide. His mother was from Boulogne-sur-mer and died when he was just six years old. In 1969, Devedjian married Sophie Vanbremeersch; they had four sons, Thomas, François, Arthur and Basil, as well as 10 grandchildren.

Devoted to both his Armenian and French backgrounds, Devedjian served on the legal team for Armenian activist Max Hraïr Kilndjian in 1982; he was elected mayor of Antony from 1983 until 2002. A close adviser to the French President Nicolas Sarkozy in the 1990s, Devedjian also served as the minister in charge of the implementation of the recovery plan, a special post created for two years after the global financial crisis of 2008. Previously, he was Minister of Industry between 2004 to 2005 and Minister of Local Liberties from 2002 to 2004. From 2007 until his passing, Devedjian was President of the General Council of the Hauts-de-Seine.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condolences on Devedjian’s passing stating, “France loses a committed politician who put his great culture, his immense knowledge of the law and his passion for freedom at the service of his country and nation…He who, never forgetting his origins, had Armenia in his heart, deeply loved France, its culture, its imagination, its public services: his last public words were for the nursing staff who, until the end, helped him to fight against the virus and for the members of the Hauts-de-Seine department Council mobilized in the service of its citizens.”

Former French president Francois Hollande referred to Devedjian as a fighter in his tweet. “He had courageously overcome many trials. The one who won him was the most devious because it was the most invisible. I salute his memory and that of all the victims of this scourge. The struggle requires the greatest national unity.”

Sarkozy also hailed the late politician as “a passionate, sincere, committed man.” “I am proud to have had him by my side,” he tweeted. 

“Patrick Devedjian’s passing has caused immense sorrow,” said Mourad Papazian, co-chairman of the Coordinating Committee of Armenian Organizations of France (CCAF) and a member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Bureau. 

On Facebook, European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy (EAFJD) president Kaspar Karampetian wrote, “It is a great loss for the Armenians in France and in Europe. Patrick Devedjian was one of the rare Armenians in any European country to hold prominent ministerial portfolios. But at the same time, he never stopped being Armenian and fighting for the Armenian Cause, as a lawyer during his young age and later as a successful politician. He is an example that many young European Armenians can follow.”

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan also expressed his condolences writing, “It is safe to say that, after the death of the great Charles Aznavour, the death of Patrick Devedjian is an inconsolable sorrow for the Armenian-French friendship; Devedjian was a brilliant symbol of the fraternal ties. Devedjian embodied unconditional dedication to the 50-year struggle for recognition of the Armenian Genocide and advancement of the issues concerning French-Armenians.”

Armenian President Armen Sarkissian was also shocked by the news. “France and Armenia lost one of their best sons,” he wrote in a telegram. “Patrick Devedjian was a brilliant politician and individual who was correct, educated and responsible with his words and actions. He was also one of the tribunes of the French-Armenians, an unwavering defender of the Armenian Cause, and his voice was heard at the national and international levels. After Armenia declared its independence, Patrick Devedjian became one of the architects of the special relations between France and Armenia. Armenia’s development was a primary objective for him, and he contributed to this with his specific actions and projects.”

In a letter, Republic of Artsakh President Bako Sahakyan wrote that Devedjian “made an invaluable contribution to the recognition of the Armenian Genocide and the defense of the Armenian Cause, contributing in every possible way to the preservation of the Armenian national identity in the Diaspora, the development of ties with Artsakh and the resolution of national issues.”

Armenian Ambassador to France Hasmik Tolmajyan expressed her sorrows on Facebook writing, “Patrick Devedjian, who was a Frenchman and was always loyal to his roots, deeply played a major role in and was a major symbol of the friendship between France and Armenia. He dedicated his entire life to the defense of the Armenian Cause and made a tremendous contribution to France’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide. His passing is a great loss for us all.”

Also on Facebook, French Ambassador to Armenia Jonathan Lacote wrote, “Patrick Devedjian was a tireless defender of the Armenian cause and played a constant role in the relationship between our two countries.” Lacote underscored his role in the development of projects for Armenia’s Tavush province.

Third President of Armenia Serge Sarkisian was pained by the news. He commented on Devedjian’s contributions to public and political life in France and how he strengthened ties between France and Armenia. “This is a great loss for the two friendly countries and nations,” wrote Sarkisian. “Patrick was unconditionally dedicated to his work, sincerely believed that he would succeed and wouldn’t spare efforts, including for recognition of the Armenian Genocide in France and defense of the Armenian Cause. He would be glad to see his work completed successfully by his supporters and his ideas implemented which will, unquestionably, be the best respect towards the memory of the renowned figure.”

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Yeghpayr Estephan Steve Iskenderian was born on January 26, 1971 in Beirut, Lebanon to Hovaness and Seta Iskenderian. He was the brother of Shant Iskenderian. At the age of 14, Steve with his family moved to Toronto, Canada. As an active community member, he immediately joined the Homenemten of Toronto Chapter and later joined the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF). 

His love for music was established when he assembled his first band, Sasoun. The band began performing at the Hye Getron of Toronto, Armenian Catholic Church of Toronto, Cambridge Hye Getron and Hamilton Hye Getron. In 1997 while performing at a Homenetmen of South Florida dance, he met his wife Shakie Khatchikian. They later went on to have two beautiful daughters Tatianna and Nyrie Iskenderian. Later that year he started his second band—Ararat Band—with Shihan Krikorian. After performing at the Homenetmen of Boston Chapter dance, his singing career flourished around the globe. He would go on to perform in Brazil, France, on board the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) European Cruise, the Armenian Heritage Cruise and at several Navasartian Homenetmen games. 

Steve shared his love and passion for the Armenian community as it reflected in all that he did. Steve’s love for his family and Armenian culture will live on forever.  

Yeghpayr Steve passed away Sunday, March 29, 2020 in Florida.

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Homenetmen Eastern U.S.

The Armenian General Athletic Union and Scouts, known as "Homenetmen," is a non-profit organization founded over 100 years ago. Believing in the idea that strong bodies lead to strong minds, Homenetmen has provided Armenian youth across the globe with a moral, physical and psychological education outside the school environment, while also demonstrating richness of the Armenian culture and heritage, while at the same time. Today, Homenetmen is a worldwide organization with over 25,000 members on five continents. On the East Coast U.S., Homenetmen is a thriving organization with 12 chapters and over 900 members, governed by the Homenetmen Eastern Regional Executive.

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