ISTANBUL — The spiritual leader of the Catholic Armenians in Turkey for 78 years, Archbishop Hovhannes Tcholakian has died, Agos reported. Archbishop Hovhannes Tcholakian, 97, had served in his post for 78 years.

The funeral ceremony was held at Surp Hovhannes Vosgeperan Church in Istanbul on September 23.

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FORT LEE, N.J. — Lucille Aroosian died on September 16. She was 94.

She was born August 19, 1922, in Paterson, New Jersey, the daughter of Bedros and Nafina Aroosian, who was an Armenian Genocide survivor and the only surviving adult of the large prosperous Shekerlemedjian family of Diyarbakir, Ottoman Turkey.

She was a graduate of Pace University and was an executive at Pittston Stevedoring Company in New York City for more than 40 years where she retired as an officer in the company. Pittston President Robert Chiarello said of Lucille’s role in the company: “She was the compass of the company. A forceful influence, an oasis of insight, determination and drive. She never accepted less than what was right, just and fair. And she knew what was right.”

A passionate supporter of human rights and social justice causes, she worked tirelessly for the Armenian victims after the 1988 earthquake.

She was an ardent supporter of progressive social justice causes and human rights organizations including Amnesty International and Doctor’s Without Borders. At 89 in 2011, she was at Occupy Wall Street in Manhattan with Robert Jay Lifton’s Wellfleet group. Among Armenian organizations, her favorites were the Armenian Tree Project, Project SAVE. She was a long time member of the Presbyterian Church of Englewood, New Jersey. She (and her late sister Gladys, who was a genocide survivor) figure prominently in her nephew Peter Balakian’s prize-winning memoir, Black Dog of Fate.

A beloved matriarch of the Aroosian-Balakian family, she was predeceased by her sisters Gladys and Alice and is survived by her sister Arax Balakian, and her nieces Pamela and Jan Balakian, Lynn and Karen Derderian, her nephews Peter and Jim Balakian, and great nieces and nephews Sophia, James, Alexandra, Katherine, and Nicholas.

In lieu of flowers, send donations in memory of Lucille Aroosian to Armenian Tree Project or Project SAVE.

A Memorial Service will take place at St. Thomas Armenian Church, Tenafly, NJ on October 8 at 11 a.m.

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WORCESTER — H. Martin Deranian, 94, died on Monday, September 26 at his residence.

Deranian, a dentist by profession, published a number of works pertaining to Armenian history and American Armenians. He translated his father’s memoir on his native town, Hussenig: The Origin, History and Destruction of an Armenian Town (1996), and authored Worcester Is America: The Story of Worcester’s Armenians (1995), Miracle Man of the Western Front: Dr. Varaztad H. Kazanjian, Pioneer Plastic Surgeon (2007), and President Calvin Coolidge and the Armenian Orphan Rug (2013, 2014), as well as Hagop Bogigian: Armenian American Pioneer and Philanthropist, in 2015 about his great-uncle.

The son of Genocide survivors, Deranian could never forget his mother’s harrowing stories and made it his mission to shed light on this ugly chapter.

A more complete obituary will appear next week.

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WORCESTER — H. Martin Deranian, 94, a prominent Worcester Dentist, died on September 26, at his residence.

Born in Worcester on August 21, 1922, he was the son of Marderos and Varter (Bogigian) Deranian.

A graduate of South High School, Deranian furthered his education at Clark University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1945. Continuing on, he entered the University of Pennsylvania and received his D.D.S. in 1947. From 1947-1951, he was an Associate of Dr. Ronald M. King in Boston, prior to entering the United States Dental Reserve – Dental Corps of the US Navy in 1951. As a Lieutenant ( J.G. ) Dr. Deranian served overseas and independent duty during the Korean Conflict from 1951-1953.

Deranian had been in the private practice of general dentistry in Worcester from 1953 to his retirement in 2014 after more than 61 years.

He was a life member of the American Dental Society; a member, editor, and past president of the Worcester District Dental Society; a member and chairman of numerous committees of the Massachusetts Dental Society; past member and president of the American Academy of the History of Dentistry; a member of the American Prosthodontic Society; a member of the American Cleft Palate Association; a member of the American Medical Writer’s Association; and the founding president of the Armenian American Dental Society.

Community involvement was a hallmark for Deranian, as he served on numerous boards and committees i.e., Central Massachusetts Health Planning and Coordination Committee; Model Cities Health Supportive Services; Prescription Parents – a Cleft palate group; Planning Council of Community Services of Greater Worcester; and the Visiting Nurses Association of Worcester.

Big Brothers / Big Sisters of America, the nation’s premiere donor and volunteer-supported youth mentoring organization had a special place in his heart for over 50 years.

Deranian was described on numerous occasions by friends, associates, and public figures as the consummate gentleman whose genuine approach to issues for humanity had no equal. On November 6, 2014, Deranian was presented a Certificate of Special Recognition for his Outstanding and Invaluable Service to the Community by the Congress of the United States.

As a collector and exhibitor of Antique Dental Equipment, Deranian established a turn-of-the century museum at Tufts Dental School of Dental Medicine.

Among the many honors and awards Dr. Deranian has received were the Worcester Medical News Wisteria Award; the Who’s Who in the East Award (Marquis) recognition; the Hayden-Harris Award of the American Academy of the History of Dentistry; and the creation of the Dr. H. Martin Deranian Annual Fellowship Award established May 5, 1999 in his honor.

Deranian was passionate about his Armenian heritage and was a supporter of the Chair in Armenian Genocide Studies at Clark University. He was a 50-year member of Montacute Lodge of Masons, and a member of the Knights of Vartan since 1947.

Described by many as a “Renaissance Man” for his approach to issues as being a rebirth or revival, and noted as a prolific researcher and writer, Dr. Deranian’s numerous publications included The Village of Hussenig: Memories of the Heart and Hearth (1981); Hussenig: The Origin, History, and Destruction of an Armenian Town (1994); Worcester is America: The Story of Worcester’s Armenians, The Early Years (1995); Miracle Man of the Western Front: Dr. Varaztad H. Kazanjian, Pioneer Plastic Surgeon (2007); President Calvin Coolidge and The Armenian Orphan Rug (2013, 2014); Hagop Bogigian; Armenian American Pioneer and Philanthropist (2016). “Deported/a Dream Play” by Joyce Van Dyke based on the friendship between the playwright’s grandmother and Deranian’s mother, both of whom survived the deportation and Genocide as “resilient women.” (2012)

The Armenian Assembly of America released a statement on Deranian’s passing. He had worked with the Assembly on the display of the Armenian Orphan Rug at the White House Visitor’s Center as well as its companion sister rug that was owned by Dr. Deranian.

The Assembly had urged successive administrations dating back to President Bill Clinton to release the rug for an official exhibition and had worked with the Armenian Caucus to have the carpet displayed, not just at the Smithsonian, but also at the White House and in the U.S. Congress. “I am deeply moved by this action,” Deranian told the Assembly in 2013. “This issue has come to light after many years of hard work. We are speaking on behalf of the [orphan] weavers and what they would want us to do,” Deranian said.

Deranian was the driving force to release the rug and was a guest speaker for many Assembly events, discussing his book titled President Calvin Coolidge and the Armenian Orphan Rug. He was honored by the Armenian Assembly in December 2013 and spoke during the Assembly’s 2014 Annual Board of Trustees Meeting about community efforts to have the Coolidge Rug released and displayed. He presented the Armenian Orphan “Sister Rug” in November 2014 with Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA) and Brad Sherman (D-CA) in Los Angeles where he was presented with a Certificate of Special Recognition for his Outstanding and Invaluable Service to the Community by the Congress of the United States.

“I am saddened to learn of Martin’s passing. We learned much from Martin who first of all was a proud Clark University alumnus. Despite his quiet demeanor, there was a driven passion within him which, when away from his dental practice, made known what happened to his mother, her village, and survivors of the Armenian Genocide,” Assembly Vice Chairman and Counselor Robert Kaloosdian said. “Martin contributed significantly to the scholarship of the Armenian Genocide through a lifetime devoted to research, translations, and authoring several books which added to the study of that subject,” he added.

Deranian leaves his wife of 62 years, Virginia (Derderian) Deranian; a son, Jonathan Deranian of Grafton, and a daughter, Lydia Deranian-George of Shrewsbury; three grandchildren, Chelsey, Jacob and Samantha.

The funeral was held on September 30, in the Armenian Church of Our Saviour, Worcester, officiated by Der Aved Terzian. Burial followed in Hope Cemetery, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Dr. Deranian’s memory to the Armenian Church of Our Saviour, or to Clark University, Armenian Studies Program.

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By Aram Arkun

Mirror-Spectator Staff

FLUSHING, N.Y. — Artist and illustrator Paul Sagsoorian, born on March 26, 1923 in Chelsea, passed away on October 2. Alongside his professional accomplishments, he humbly served nearly all institutions of the Armenian community for many decades, usually for modest remuneration, through his unmistakable style of illustration. His work adorned Armenian books, journals, pamphlets, posters and advertisements.

On the morning of October 5, he was buried in Cedar Grove Cemetery in Queens, in the presence of Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, the pastor of St. Illuminator’s Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, director Jenny Hakobian and caseworker Karine Barsoumian from the New York Armenian Home, Zarmine Boghosian and funeral home director Edward Jamie, Jr. Two young soldiers from the US Department of Veterans Affairs came to honor him as a veteran, and handed the folded flag after his burial to Hakobian on behalf of the president of the United States of America and the veterans of this country.

Never married and without children, Sagsoorian moved to the New York Armenian Home in 2013. The Home held a hokejash or memorial meal for him on October 12.

As Boghosian later exclaimed, “Thank God for the Armenian Home of Flushing, where Armenian forgotten artists have a home and loving care! Their staff were the ones who informed his only relatives and they contacted the Veterans’ office to secure an appropriate final resting place for someone who has done so much for the New York Armenian organizations.”

Novelist Peter Sourian, who worked with Sagsoorian for several decades as part of the editorial board of Ararat quarterly (published by the Armenian General Benevolent Union), declared that “Paul Sagsoorian was a skilled artist who fashioned a distinctive look for Ararat. His illustrations and drawings turned countless Armenian publications and posters into enticing works. His talent, his kindness and his generous spirit will be long remembered.”

A proud descendant of a Havav village (Palu province) family, Sagsoorian graduated from several art schools and the US Army’s mapmaking school during his World War II service. He received a sharpshooter’s medal during a military trip to Iceland, and a good conduct medal while in Germany, the Rhineland and Central Europe. He worked on maps for mine-laying in Iceland, and their removal in Normandy.

After the war he worked for art studios, advertising agencies and book publishers. Talented in many media, he prepared countless displays, advertisements, magazine illustrations and book jackets. He illustrated poems in the New York Times magazine, Harpers, and the New Yorker. He provided advertising for firms as varied as Nestles, RCA Victor, Weight Watchers (magazine), PBS, NBC, Newsweek and S&H Greenstamps. He prepared album covers for a series of recordings of music of the world. In 1957, the American Institute of Graphic Arts selected a book illustrated by Sagsoorian as one of its 50 Best Books of the Year.

He illustrated some 15 books on a variety of non-Armenian topics, primarily for younger readers. He worked on a large number of detective and science fiction works, including many of the Danny Dunn series, travel works and books devoted to various animals. He also illustrated a variety of other books, including a volume for stroke victims, a book on Latin America and another on William Gladstone (the Armenian connection perhaps coming through here).

He used his talents to illustrate many books on Armenian topics, including the famous Armenian epic Daredevils of Sassoun, translated by Leon Surmelian in 1964, and two plays translated into English by the late Dr. Nishan Parlakian — Alexandre Shirvanzade’s Evil Spirit (1980) and Aramashot Babayan’s Be Nice, I’m Dead (1990). He also illustrated Arthur Ayvazian’s historical work, Armenian Victories at Khznavous and Sardarabad, and Haig Baronian’s Armenian Genocide survivor account, Barefoot Boy from Anatolia, both published in 1983.

On the occasion of Sagsoorian’s 80^th birthday in 2003, Ararat quarterly organized an exhibit of his artwork and recognized his decades of work beginning in 1964 for this premiere Armenian literary and cultural periodical. He became the artist in charge of Ararat starting in 1978. The Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) threw him a bash when he turned 85.

He did a lot of work for the Diocese (especially for its Armenian Language Lab and Resource Center under the direction of Sylva Der Stepanian) as well as for the Armenian Prelacy, the Armenian Evangelical Church and many other Armenian cultural organizations in the New York area. His art was particularly appealing to younger readers, but he did more complex work as well. He often gave his sketches as gifts to friends. This writer has several that he still treasures.

A consummate professional, Sagsoorian was the master of the quick turn-around, pulling out a program or advertisement in a clinch and saving the day. His generosity with his time, talent and energy over the decades puts him in the ranks of major donors to Armenian-American organizations, for as a freelance artist, this was a considerable financial sacrifice on his part. His work for Armenians truly was a labor of love which will live on forever.

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HAVERHILL, Mass. — Thomas M. Vartabedian, an award-winning Haverhill Gazette writer-photographer for 50 years and Armenian community activist, died Saturday, November 12, with his loving family by his side following a courageous battle with cancer. He was 76.

Vartabedian joined The Gazette as a sportswriter in 1966 when it was a daily newspaper and extended his career to include feature stories, pictures, news events and his Poor Tom’s Almanac column, which began in 1970 and continued in retirement up until his death.

Through his tenure, Vartabedian won a number of awards and accolades, including that of Master Reporter by the New England Press Association. One of the other more notable awards was the American Cancer Society’s Sword of Hope Award, joined by several more from the Associated Press and United Press International over the course of his 40-year, full-time career at The Gazette.

After being diagnosed with gastro-intestinal cancer in February, Vartabedian fought his illness by bringing hope to others with a series of columns, as well as through a show on Haverhill Community Television and participating in the 2016 American Cancer Society Relay for Life in Haverhill, where he sponsored a team called Ararat, named after a biblical mountain in Armenia.

He also garnered national attention for an obituary writing class he launched last spring at the Haverhill Council on Aging, inspiring others to write their life’s story before they passed.

Vartabedian was active in Armenian affairs as a member of the Armenian Genocide Education Committee of Merrimack Valley, which took him to high schools throughout the Merrimack Valley and Greater Boston teaching students about the genocide and human rights. The committee was recognized this past April by special resolution by Gov. Charlie Baker and the Massachusetts Statehouse.

He was also an active member of the Armenian Genocide Commemorative Committee of Merrimack Valley and the Armenian Genocide Monument Committee, which erected an imposing memorial in Lowell in tribute to the 1.5 million victims of the 1915 genocide.

Vartabedian was a charter member of St. Gregory Armenian Church in North Andover, where he taught Armenian School for 45 years, and served on the Board of Trustees for 20 years. He had just recently joined the church choir, and was a delegate to the National Representative Assembly.

The Armenian Eastern Prelacy presented Vartabedian with its Eagle Award, the highest award rendered for service to church and community.

He had been a columnist and correspondent for 50 years with the Armenian Weekly, where he also compiled and edited special issues covering the annual Armenian Youth Federation Olympic Games for more than four decades. He also served as a regular columnist for the Armenian Mirror-Spectator for the past 15 years.

He was a 50-year member of the Lowell “Aharonian” Committee, Armenian Revolutionary Federation of America, serving as its chairman for many years.

The Armenian Students Association honored Vartabedian with its Haig Garabedian Sarafian Award for distinguished committee service.

Over the past seven years, he served on the Board of Directors for Project SAVE Armenian Photograph Archives, which recognized him with a community commitment award last fall.

Most recently, Vartabedian was honored in October by the Armenian Friends of America in recognition of his service to the Armenians of the Merrimack Valley. He was scheduled in December to receive the Armenian National Committee’s Vahan Cardashian Award in recognition of his lifetime of service to Armenian causes during a banquet in Washington, D.C.

Vartabedian served as a Merit Badge Council with the area’s Lone Tree Council, Boy Scouts of America, which presented him with a Distinguished Citizen Award. Another proud Scouting moment was watching two sons attain the coveted rank of Eagle and introduce their own children to the organization’s ideals.

As a 50-year member of the Haverhill YMCA, Vartabedian won many gold medals in state racquetball competitions for his age class. He enjoyed mountain climbing and upheld the challenge of reaching the summits of the tallest peaks in New England, including Mount Washington six times.

As an active member and judge of the former Kenoza Camera Club, he was inducted as a Master Photographer with the New England Camera Club Council. One of his last acts of charity was donating his vast camera collection to the photography department at Haverhill High School, complemented by a series of motivational talks to students.

Just prior to the cancer diagnosis, Vartabedian collaborated with Haverhill historian E. Philip Brown in co-authoring a book titled The Armenians of the Merrimack Valley. In recognition of the Armenian Genocide Centennial last year, he exhibited his photo collections on Armenia at 12 different libraries throughout the community, highlighting two trips made in 2006 and 2011.

A summer camp in Sandown, New Hampshire, on the shores of Angle Pond, served as a personal retreat since 1970, where he enjoyed sailing, fishing and the comfort of his family.

Vartabedian was born in Somerville, Sept. 30, 1940, son of the late Edward K. and Jennie S. Vartabedian, both survivors of the Armenian genocide. He graduated from Somerville High School in 1958 and majored in journalism at Boston University, studying a year abroad at an Armenian Catholic monastery in Vienna, Austria.

He served five years with the United States Army Reserves while attached to the 351st Hospital Battalion.

He had been a resident of Haverhill for the past 51 years, following his marriage to his beloved wife, Nancy G. (Yeghoian), a retired Haverhill schoolteacher.

In addition to his wife, he leaves three children, Sonya G. Vartabedian Sico and her husband, Pasquale, of Amesbury; Ara M. and his wife, Julie, of Hudson; and Raffi P. and his wife, Sarah, of Auburn; six grandchildren, Maya, Benjamin, Rocco, Rex, Mazie and Mila Vartabedian; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his younger brother, Edward C. Vartabedian.

His funeral service will take place Saturday, November 19, at 11 a.m. at St. Gregory Armenian Church, 158 Main St., North Andover, followed by burial in Linwood Cemetery, Haverhill.

Calling hours are Friday, November 18, from 3 to 8 p.m. at St. Gregory Armenian Church, 158 Main St., North Andover.

Arrangements are by H.L. Farmer & Sons Funeral Homes, 106 Summer St., Haverhill (farmerfuneralhomes.com).

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MOSCOW (Combined Sources) — Noted Russian-Armenian aircraft designer, co-creator of the MiG-29 fighter jet Ivan Mikoyan has died aged 89, Russian Rossiya-24 TV channel reports.

“All his life Ivan Mikoyan worked at the design bureau founded by his uncle, Artyom Mikoyan, in 1939. He was a leading engineer and deputy chief designer,” a statement published by the Zvezda TV channel said.

Ivan Mikoyan was born on September 1, 1927, in the USSR. His father, Anastas Mikoyan (1895-1978) was a government figure, while his uncle, Anastas’ brother, Artyom Mikoyan (1905-1970), was the first general designer of the experimental design bureau MiG. Ivan graduated from a military aviation mechanics school and the Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy to become an aircraft engineer. After graduation, he worked in his uncle’s design bureau, at first as the chief engineer, but later was appointed deputy chief designer. Later he became an adviser of the Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG.

During his career, he took part in the development of the design of the MiG-21 and the MiG-29 fighters. For his work on the MiG-29, Mikoyan twice received the USSR State Prize state honor. The Mikoyan MiG-29 is a twin-engine jet fighter aircraft. It was developed in the Soviet Union by the Mikoyan design bureau in the 1970s to counter new US fighters such as the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle and the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon. The MiG-29 entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1982.

President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan sent a condolence telegram to the Mikoyans on the occasion.

He wrote, “He was gifted with amazing productiveness and great energy to create something that contributed all his capacities for the sake of the development of aviation. His death is an irreversible loss for all of us. I sincerely share the grief and extent my solidarity words to the family and friends of the leading aircraft designer who had a heavy contribution to the development of military aviation. Ivan Mikoyan’s bright memory will always remain in our hearts.”

(Sputnik and Armenpress reports were used to compile this story.)

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WATERTOWN, Mass. — After a brief illness, noted journalist and Armenian activist Dr. Nubar Berberian passed away on November 23. He was 94.

He was born in Cairo, Egypt, on September 25, 1922 to Kevork and Areknaz Berberian. After receiving an Armenian education in the Nubarian School of Heliopolis, he studied in the French lyceum for the French baccalaureate. He received his law degree in 1944 and registered at the Egyptian Mixed Tribunal.

With an unquenchable thirst for education, he left for France, where he received a doctoral degree in jurisprudence in 1947 from the University of Paris School of Law. Full of Armenian patriotic fervor, he entered Armenian public life, putting aside other career possibilities.

Most probably, he was unable to form a family due to his nomadic existence. Instead, the Armenian nation and homeland constituted his family. He also dedicated himself to the care of his elderly mother, until her final advanced years.

His life consisted wholly of labor in the service of the Armenian nation, working as a talented journalist, an articulate and compassionate orator and a principled leader. Nearly all the main contemporary organs of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party (ADL) became part of his life. Thus, in 1947 he accepted the editorship of the newspaper Abaka in Paris, after which he edited the following organs: the daily Arev in Cairo (1948-1958), the thrice-weekly Nor Or of Fresno (1958-1960) and Boston’s Baikar daily (1961-82). During the same period, he published short stories and poetry in the Baikar yearbook under the penname Piuragn.

After retiring in 1982, he still prolifically published articles in the newspapers Zartonk of Beirut, Abaka of Montreal, Azg of Yerevan and Nor Or of Los Angeles.

He became a member of the ADL in 1941, and as a young intellectual, he collaborated with the great Armenian leaders of the time, including Mihran Damadian, Vahan Tekeyan, Eugene Papasian and Alexander Sarukhan. Simultaneously, he became a member of the Armenian General Benevolent Union, and enjoyed the confidence and affection of the benefactor and president of this organization, Alex Manoogian.

Dr. Berberian became one of the founders of the Tekeyan Cultural Association (TCA) of the United States and Canada, and as its lifetime member, served in its executive as secretary until the last day of his life.

His rich legacy includes thousands of editorials on Armenian national, political, and international issues, as well as memorable pages of fiction and poetry.

On numerous occasions, he earned accolades from the organizations to which he belonged as well as from pan-Armenian bodies. For example, in 2012 he received the Movses Khorenatsi Medal bestowed by the president of the Republic of Armenia in Boston from Armenian Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian. In turn, Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II conferred on him the St. Sahag St. Mesrob medal.

In recognition of his unending service, the Central Board of the Tekeyan Cultural Association has named the archival and research center of the Baikar building, which is being newly renovated, in honor of Dr. Nubar Berberian. On the very day that this room was to be inaugurated, Dr. Berberian unexpectedly fell ill and was transported to a hospital, never to return. His archival materials, together with other archival compilations and periodical collections, will be held forever in this center.

TCA President Edmond Y. Azadian described Dr. Berberian’s loss with the following words: “Armenians lost a dynamic editor of the old school who never seemed to grow old, a fighter who never retreated, a friend of indomitable humor, and a worthy apostle carrying the weight of history on his shoulders.

Funeral services were held at St. James Armenian Church in Watertown on November 26 presided by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) with the participation of V. Rev. Fr. Krikor Maksoudian and Fr. Arakel Aljalian. The archbishop delivered an eloquent eulogy, and conveyed a message from Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II.

Many other messages of condolence were sent from around the world from officials and notables, including Minister of the Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia Hranoush Hakobyan, President of the Armenian General Benevolent Union Berge Setrakian, President of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party Supreme Council Vartan Nazerian, the Tekeyan Cultural Association Founders Body, ADL Central Committee chairman Sergio Nahabedian, and ADL Central Committee former chairman Dr. Arshavir Gundjian.

Letters were received from Daniel Yousefian, Kevork Keushkerian, Panig Keshishian, the TCA New York chapter, Maro Bedrosian, Arto Manoukian, the ADL Montreal chapter, Baydzig Kalaydjian, Sonig Vayejian Kradjian, Vahe Artinian (Australia), Zarmine Boghosian, Dr. Hagop Gulekjian, Dr. Hratch Kouyoumjian (England) and many others.

Dr. Berberian was buried in Mount Feake Cemetery of Waltham, and a memorial meal was held afterwards at St. James Armenian Church. He leaves behind his nieces Arouss Darpinian of New Milford, New Jersey and Diane Yazedjian of Gainesville, Florida, and a great-niece, Dr. Ani Hendleigh of Bloomington, Illinois.

Those who wish to express their sympathy can in lieu of flowers send their donations to either the Tekeyan Cultural Association of the US and Canada (755 Mount Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472) or St. James Armenian Church (465 Mount Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472).

On this occasion, the Central Board of the Tekeyan Cultural Association expresses its sorrow and condolences to the relatives of the deceased, his friends, and all those who felt close to him.

The Central Board of the Tekeyan Cultural Association of the United States and Canada

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BELMONT, Mass. — Haig Der Manuelian died on December 1. He was 90.

He was a successful attorney and also one of the founders of the Armenian Library and Museum of America in Watertown, which more recently shortened its name to the Armenian Museum of America.

He was the husband of Adele Flora (Koundakjian) Manuelian.

He leaves his children, Mark Manuelian and his wife Deborah, Matthew Manuelian and his wife Anahit Atayan, Michael Manuelian and his husband Gregory Welch, and Martin Manuelian; six grandchildren: Ara, Ami, Ana, Asa, Haik and Romen; and three foster grandchildren: Kolbey, Kinley and Konley; and siblings John Vigen Der Manuelian and Lucy Der Manuelian.

He also leaves many nieces and nephews and his devoted assistant of 47 years, Dotti Burke.

In a statement, ALMA President Michele M. Kolligian said, “Today is a sad day for all of us at the Armenian Museum of America as we mourn the passing of our leader. He was a proud Armenian and man of strength who excelled in every aspect of his life. His devotion and passion for the betterment of the Armenian Museum was unwavering.

“He worked diligently, selflessly and with great integrity. A true visionary, Haig demonstrated a deep passion and dedication that made it possible for this institution to thrive and grow into the world-class Museum it is today.

His commitment and perseverance were the driving force behind all of us who worked alongside him, and his example will guide us to continue his legacy.”

Edmond Y. Azadian, president of the Tekeyan Cultural Association, in a letter to Kolligian praised Der Manuelian for having “a sense of history, which eventually evolved to materialize in the inception and creation of the Armenian Museum. The museum will certainly remain as a living memory and testimony to all things that Haig stood for in his lifetime.”

He added, “The Tekeyan Cultural Association also owes him deep gratitude as he always offered generously his precious time and expertise to help the organization in its legal issues.”

On November 22, 2014, the Armenian Museum held a special dedication event to celebrate the official opening of the newly renovated Adele and Haig Der Manuelian Galleries (formerly known as the Contemporary Gallery) located on the third floor. The splendidly renovated and expanded art galleries provide an intimate yet spacious setting for the numerous art exhibits held throughout the year. This renovation and the reconfigured walls led to a substantial gain in usable space, and the harmonious new look truly shows off the museum’s collection of contemporary art.

The funeral service will be on Saturday, December 10, at 10 a.m. at First Armenian Church, 380 Concord Ave., Belmont. Visiting hours at the Aram Bedrosian Funeral Home, 558 Mount Auburn Street, Watertown will be on Friday, December 9, 4 to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Armenian Museum of America (f/k/a Armenian Library and Museum of America), 65 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472. Interment will follow at Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge.

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NEW YORK — It is with deep sorrow that we announce the untimely death of Karnig Nercessian, one of the founding members of the Tekeyan Cultural Association’s Mher Megerdchian Theatrical Group (MMTG), on Monday evening, December 5, 2016, at his home, due to a fatal heart attack.

Karnig was born in 1955 in Kessab, Syria. His first attempts in acting were at the local Armenian Catholic School of Kessab, participating in the comedies “Arshin Mal Alan” and “Charshili Artin Agha.”

In 1973, he immigrated to New York and in 1980 joined the AGBU Antranig Dance Ensemble. In 2004, he founded and directed the Yeraz Dance Group of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in Douglaston, NY.

He was one of the founding members of the Mher Megerdchian Theatrical Group, performing in its premiere production of Baronian’s “Apisoghom Agha” under the direction of Tamar Hovannisian. Subsequently, Karnig acted in the leading roles of Saroyan’s “My Heart’s in the Highlands,” Zareh Melkonian’s “Where are You Going Armenian People?” Under the direction of Vartan Garniki, he performed in Carlo Goldoni’s “Servant of Two masters.” He had another leading role in Shakespeare’s “Comedy of Errors” directed by Berj Fazlian. He also appeared in a repeat performance of Saroyan’s “My Heart’s in the Highlands” under the direction of Hovhannes Babakhanyan.

His last performance was in Berj Zeytountzians “All Rise, Court Is in Session” or “Tadaranne,Vodki,” in the role of Talaat Pasha. Nercessian also toured with MMTG as they took their productions to Armenia twice, and numerous times to Boston, Montreal and Los Angeles.

With the untimely death of this dedicated and talented actor, the Tekeyan Cultural Association and its Mher Megerdchian Theatrical Group mourn the passing and loss of Karnig Nercessian. His name will always be remembered in our theatrical and cultural pages.

Wake Services were held on Thursday, December 8 St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, 3865 234th St, Little Neck, NY 11363. Funeral services were held on Friday, December 9, at St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, with burial service following at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Flushing.

He leaves his wife, Ani; his children Hagop and Maria, and siblings Dr. John Nercessian, Sossi Simonian, Silva Manjigian and Shahe Nercessian.

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Mamas Michael was the son of Armenian immigrants who survived the 1915 Armenian genocide. The family, Serop Kehyaian and Esther Shahinian, Serop’s mother Serpouhe, and Esther’s mother Mariam, came to the United States together from Gesaria (Kayseri), Turkey, in the 1920s. They settled in East New York, Brooklyn. Serop, as an entrepreneur, opened his own tailor shop.  Soon, the family grew, with Michael being the firstborn; his sisters, Susie, Mary and Tracy added to the family’s joy. Michael often spoke of the “most hamov bread” his grandmother Mariam would bake every week. After a love-filled childhood, in 1951, Michael enlisted in the US Army. As a Private First Class, he fought in the Korean War on the front lines at Punchbowl Valley, where Heartbreak Ridge took place.

Upon his discharge, he became an apprentice in a photo offset shop. Eventually, he started his own business. Soon his expertise was requested by the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) on 34th Street in Manhattan. Michael printed all the religious education books, Armenian School Language books, (Ara and Maral), church bulletins, Armenian Badarak books with Armenian-to-English translations and much more. Most of it was pro-bono. He was a staunch Armenian even though in the city of Gesaria, where his father and mother Serop and Esther were raised, the Armenian language was discouraged. Michael was very proud to be an Armenian and displayed this pride with such conviction.

Michael’s dedication to his Armenian identity turned his interests toward collecting everything Armenian, including a painting of Gomidas Vartabed, a tapestry of Vartan Mamigonian, and a tapestry of Mesrob Mashtots, which he donated to the Anthropology/Armenian Museum at Queens College. He collected a series of watercolor prints going back to 1840 depicting the lifestyles of Armenians. He re-printed at least 30 titles of Armenian history books and so much more that cannot be mentioned here. His collections are rare and endless.

In 1973, Michael met Lucy Yezdanian at an Armenian social and married in 1975. Their firstborn child, Kristin was born in 1976, Michelle in 1979 and Alex in 1981. They settled in Jackson Heights on 84th Street, where the three children were raised and attended Holy Martyrs Day School and Sunday School. Lucy, their mother, died in 2002 of cancer. Michael loved his children and taught them things by asking questions like “What’s the name of the river are we going over now, kids?” He made his children aware of life and history. Michael Mamas Kehyaian was a curmudgeon loved by all that knew him. God blessed all the people that knew him.

He also left a strong impression on all who encountered him. Christopher H. Zakian, Director of Communications at the Armenian Diocese, said, “Mike Kane’s personality—full of life and humor; tough and street-wise, but always eager to lend a helping hand—was truly unforgettable. To know him was to recognize the fighter in him—a pugnacious spirit he carried with him from Brooklyn, to the Korea War, and back home again.” At the same time, he continued, “All of us regarded Michael as a wonderful uncle, who would give advice, take us out to lunch, and ride to the rescue when an urgent deadline had to be met. For Michael, no task was ever too great, no request was ever impossible to achieve.”

His dedication to Armenian culture and willingness to volunteer for the Armenian Diocese led to many unexpected results. Zakian said, “Michael awakened many sensitive souls to the wonders of Armenian culture and history, and as much any other person helped establish the Diocese as a thriving center of cultural activity: a place of learning, beauty and art.” Furthermore, Zakian added, “His shop and his home were virtual museums of Armenian maps, posters, and books that he would find in his wanderings, and reproduce for a new generation. Alongside these were works of literature, poetry, and art from budding talents in the Armenian world, which Mike lovingly brought to publication.”

Elise Antreassian Bayizian, Coordinator of Christian Education at the very same diocese, declared at his funeral: “Although Michael looked tough and could talk tough – I remember him jockeying around on top of his printing press — with his righthand man Mateen at his side — with rolled up blue jeans, a white shirt and a cigarette dangling from his mouth – Michael was a man of extraordinary taste and elegance. It was so hard to put together this man with the blackened ink-stained fingers, with a missing pinky tip from a press mishap, sitting in his old car for a time, with the muffler belching smoke and loud noises – with the man of impeccable taste. Truly, I was so often awed by his sense of quality in in people, in books, in art and even and in food.”

His willing to go the last mile for his friends was legendary. Bayizian said, “Syraun [Palvetzian, a volunteer who later became Director of the Diocese] told me the story of when she was hospitalized in her early years as a Canadian newcomer in NY and it was New Year’s Eve and no visitors were allowed. Her sister had stayed with her overnight and all of a sudden at midnight Michael appeared in a white lab coat and when they asked how he managed to get into the ward, he shrugged nonchalantly and said he just took the coat off a hook, put it on and made his way through the hospital as if he were a doctor.”

Michael’s wake took place at Holy Martyrs Armenian Church on September 14 and his funeral services the next morning. He was buried in Cedar Grove Cemetery in Flushing, NY.

The post Mamas Michael Kehyaian Passes Away (January 6, 1931- September 8, 2017) appeared first on The Armenian Mirror-Spectator.

WATERTOWN — Edwina Walsh (née Jamgochian) of Watertown, formerly of Woburn, suffered a ruptured aortic aneurysm and passed away peacefully on October 27.

She was the daughter of the late Megerdich and Lucy (Kumjian) Jamgochian and wife of the late Daniel Walsh. She had been previously married to the late Henry Bogosian.

Edwina was the mother of Eric Bogosian, married to Jo Bonney, and Denise Bogosian, married to Michael Casella. She was the grandmother of Harris and Travis Bogosian and Nisa Thompson.  Edwina is survived by her twin brother, Edward Jamgochian, who lives in Virginia with his wife Louise.   Her close family members, sister Mary Kendall and cousin Hagop Jamgochian are deceased. She is also survived by many loving relatives in the Jamgochian, Bogosian and Walsh families.

When she was first married and after her children were small, Edwina worked as a professional hairdresser. In the 1970s she decided to pursued a college degree, graduating from Fitchburg State College in 1978. For more than 20 years, Edwina (as Edwina Bogosian) taught cosmetology and aesthetics as well as headed her department at Essex Agricultural and Technical Institute, beloved by her hundreds of students.

She remarried late in life to Daniel Walsh and after his passing 10 years ago, enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, still cooking her wonderful recipes for them as recently as last summer.

She was an avid painter, winning a number of amateur awards. She enjoyed the company of a circle of close friends who shared her interests: yoga, painting and literature.

Last summer, to celebrate her 90^th birthday, a lavish dinner party was held in her honor at the Four Seasons Hotel Boston.

A funeral service for Edwina will be held at Saint James Armenian Church, Watertown, on Friday, November 3, while visiting hours are on Thursday at the Aram Bedrosian Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Saint James Armenian Church. Interment services will be private.

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WATERTOWN — Rose (Varjian) Muggeridge, 91, originally from Franklin, then Watertown, passed away on November 19 at Carlton Willard Village in Bedford.

She was born and raised in Franklin, Massachusetts. Her parents were born in Armenia and her mother was a survivor of the Armenian Genocide.

Through the International Institute of Boston she met and later married David John Muggeridge, an Englishman. He predeceased her in 1959. They had one son, John David, who lives with his wife Karen in Southborough. Rose’s two granddaughters, Jacqueline of Boston, and Diana of Washington, DC, were the light of her life.

Her younger sister, Helen Katziff, is retired and currently lives in Sarasota, Fla. One sister, Mary, and three half-brothers, Archie, Greg and Harry, predeceased her.

Muggeridge lived most of her adult life in Watertown. In addition to working for more than 40 years at the Unitarian Universalist Association and Beacon Press in Boston, she found time to volunteer at the Boston Center for the Arts, Parents Without Partners and taught English as a second language in the Boston Public schools.

Her mother was a survivor of the Armenian Genocide. Rose worked closely with the Armenian Museum in Watertown since its inception. She also volunteered with the Armenian Women’s Welfare Association, and the Armenian Mirror-Spectator.

Rose enjoyed traveling both domestically and abroad. She loved flower arranging, foreign films, and listening to music — especially the big bands. No family gathering was complete without her contribution of cheoreg, string cheese, yalanchi, boereg, lamejun and pilaf.

A memorial service and collation will be held at the Armenian Museum of America in Watertown on Saturday, December 9 at 2 p.m., with visiting hours beginning at 1p.m.

Arrangements were made by the Giragosian Funeral Home.

The post Obituary: Rose (Varjian) Muggeridge, Former Volunteer at Armenian Mirror-Spectator appeared first on The Armenian Mirror-Spectator.

WATERTOWN — Ardashes Hagop Shelemian, 94, passed away on December 13, 2017.

Born in Istanbul, Turkey, he was the son of the late Victoria and Hagop Shelemian and brother of the late Kegham Shelemian. He leaves behind his wife, Sake Tinzir, and many close friends and family.

He received his early education at the Nersesian School in Constantinople, and the Azgayin Kentronakan [National Central], and continued his higher education at the Robert American College where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in exact sciences. He later attended the Reserve Officers Academy where he received the rank of lieutenant in the signal corps.

Passionate about Classical Armenian Music and Liturgy and Gomidas, he received his musical education under Sargis Boyajian of the historical St. Gregory the Lusavorich (Illuminator) Armenian Church of Galatia and Harutiun Muradian (later, Fr. Shnorhk Muradian). He also studied violin under Enoch Gavafian and harmony and composition under prominent musician Koharik Ghazarossian as well as sang under the leadership of Parsegh Ganatchian.

Fluent in Armenian, Turkish, English and Spanish, he was always an active member of his community in his birthplace as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina and Boston. As a freelance writer and correspondent, he has contributed pieces to several Armenian language periodicals, among them Jamanak, Marmara, Jarakeyt, and Badge, Arev, and Yerchanik, all in Istanbul; and Nerkay, Hay Ketron, and Vospor as editor, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

He held a number of academic positions in the United States, Argentina and Turkey.

He was a member of a number of Armenian and non-Armenian organizations and institutions, among them, Alumni Association of Ketronakan Armenian Lyceum, Istanbul; Associacion Cultural Armenia de Estambul, Buenos Aires; co-founder of Pro-Music Armenia, Buenos Aires; Association of Argentino-Armenian Musicians; National Association for Armenian Studies and Research; Armenian Artists Association of America, Erevan Choral Society, Tekeyan Cultural Association, Boston and the Armenian Cultural Foundation.

As per his wishes, a memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 27^th at 6:30 p.m. at the Giragossian Funeral Home, at 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA.

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WATERTOWN — Robert Sanasarian of Watertown died on January 12.

He was the uncle of Roxanne Baker of Brookline, Kevin Baker of Randolph, Joy Morgan and her husband George of RI and the late Mark Asadoorian and the great-uncle of Mark and Marina Morgan. He was the son of the late Aram and Vartouhi (Jerian) Sanasarian and brother of the late Audrey Baker and Arpie Asadoorian.

Services were at St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown on Thursday, January 18. Interment followed in Ridgelawn Cemetery, Watertown.

He was a member of the St. James Choir for more than 70 years. He was also a member of St. James Men’s Club, served as a bingo volunteer. He was also a member of Knights of Vartan, Ararat Lodge #1.

Armenian Mirror-Spectator correspondent Nancy Kalajian interviewed Sanasarian at length for a piece that appeared in late fall, about the history of old Watertown. (https://mirrorspectator.com/2017/11/30/tribute-old-watertown-bob-sanasarian-walks-memory-lane/)

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WESTWOOD, Mass. — Janet (Tevekelian) Jeghelian of Walpole, formerly of Westwood, died on February 3, 2018. She was the wife of the late Haig Jeghelian; mother of Armen and Tina Jeghelian and the late Robin Theriault; grandmother of Emily; sister of Claire Kushigian and her husband Harry and aunt of Armine Kanis and Nairi Koroghlian.
Janet graduated from Newton High School and from Boston University’s Sargent School for Physical Therapy. She furthered her training at the New York University Bellevue Medical Facility where she treated an impressive list of patients including Roy Campanella, a famous baseball player. She returned to the Boston area and continued her career as a Physical Therapist and in fact was the personal therapist for Joseph Kennedy, the President’s father, at the Kennedy compound in Hyannis.

She and Haig (Gunder) Jeghelian rekindled their friendship and married in 1960. They were a dynamic couple. Gunder was working in creative marketing at Gillette and Janet’s newfound passion for politics began in 1972 when she was the first female elected as a Westwood Selectman. They raised three children over the years, the late Robin Theriault, along with Armen and Tina Jeghelian.
Her intelligence, quick wit and drive for current events eventually led to another career as a well known radio talk show host for WRKO and WBZ. You may recall commonly seeing Janet’s picture on billboards and buses throughout Boston during these years. The Ted & Janet show in the 1980’s was highly ranked among the Boston AM Morning Talk Radio market.
She was then sought after as a spokesperson for various fundraisers and charitable events. For example, for many years she hosted the Easter Seals telethon on WBZ television. Her broadcasting successes led her back to the political arena. Janet ran as a candidate for the US Senate and for the Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor position.
Before retirement her most recent position was the Director of Rehabilitation at the Stone Institute. During this time, she was given the Downtown Boston Business & Professional Women’s Club – Woman of Achievement Award – for her exceptional qualities of leadership and integrity and her distinguished achievements for the betterment of her community.
Her community involvement was quite extensive. She was a Trustee of St. Stephen’s church and a member of their Ladies Guild and Church choir. She also sang in the Yerevan Choral Group, and served as Board President for the Armenian Women’s Welfare Association as well as a past Trustee for Boston University.
Being athletic from a young age, she enjoyed participating in the AYF Armenian Olympics and earned the Boston Siamanto chapter a total of 35 points in the baseball throw and high jump events. She loved watching the Patriots, the Boston Bruins, the Celtics, and always enjoyed playing tennis especially with her sister, Claire Kushigian.
Funeral services will be at Saint Stephen’s Armenian Church, 38 Elton Avenue, Watertown on Saturday, February 10 at 10:00 a.m. Visiting hours will be held in Saint Stephen’s Armenian Church on Friday, February 9 from 4 – 8 p.m. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment will follow at Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge.

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