IN MEMORIAM
RAFFI ZOHRABIAN
(April 24, 1945 – December 16, 2020)
It is with deep sorrow that His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, and the Executive and Religious Councils learned of the passing of Raffi Zohrabian. He was born in Heliopolis, a suburb of Cairo, Egypt, on April 24, 1945, the second child of Levon and Teny Zohrabian. His older brother’s name was Murad.
Raffi received his primary education at the local Nubarian Armenian School. After completing it, he continued his secondary education at the local French Catholic School.
A yearning to be useful and for healing drove him to study medicine. In 1969 he graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, following which the Egyptian government sent him to provide care in poor villages. Raffi used to tell stories about how, with the little resources he had at his disposal, he had been able to cure villages affected by illnesses and how he had earned their gratitude.
He decides to continue his studies in the United States, where he arrives in 1973.
After completing his studies and residencies at Massachusetts and New York hospitals, he becomes a General Surgeon.
On February 17, 1977, he marries Nairy and form their family, being blessed with three children: Rita, who marries Antranig Karageozian; Nora, and Levon, who marries Alyssa Zohrabian. Raffi was a model husband, caring and loving, as well as an exemplary father and grandfather of Maro, Nanor and little Raffi.
Together with his wife Nairy and their children, Dr. Raffi Zohrabian embraced St. Sarkis Church and participated in all aspects of the newly reconstructed church. He was a member of the Board of Trustees from 1996 to 2002 and an NRA delegate representing the church in 2000-2006. He participated in two Health Fairs organized at St. Sarkis Church in 1997 and 2010 giving lectures both times. He also gave medical presentations in 2002 and 2005 as part of Health Lecture series at the church.
On May 18, 1997, on the occasion of the 35th Anniversary of the original St. Sarkis Church, Dr. Zohrabian was awarded a medal for his devoted service to the church by then pastor Very Rev. Fr. Anoushavan Tanielian. On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the new church on May 22, 2005, Dr. Zohrabian together with his wife Nairy were recognized for their great contributions receiving a plaque for their selfless service to the church.
Dr. Zohrabian was a gentle and modest man, an accomplished physician with a twist of humor sprinkled with kind remarks. He always gave generously, never missing an opportunity to help his beloved St. Sarkis.
He passed away on December 16, 2020, surrounded by his family. The funeral services were held at St. Sarkis Church on December 23, presided by Archbishop Anoushavan, who spoke on behalf of the Lay and Religious Councils and the National Representative Assembly, and also participated in the interment service at Pinelawn Memorial Park.