His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, and the Religious and Lay Councils mourn the passing of Charles Nazarian, of North Providence, Rhode Island, at the age of 90.
Mr. Nazarian passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 27, following a short stay at Cedar Crest Nursing and Rehabilitation Centre, Cranston, RI. He was the beloved husband of Gloria R. (Kasparian) Nazarian. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son the of the late Haroutioun and Arpine (Siraganian) Nazarian, both survivors of the Armenian Genocide.
When he was just one year-old, his father passed unexpectedly at the age of 29. Within a year, Arpine set sail for Marseille, France, with Charles and his 3-year-old sister Rose, to be with her mother, who had settled there following the Genocide. A few years later, Arpine met and married Nishan Aznavorian, also a Genocide survivor living in Marseille. As the family grew, in 1939 they made their way to Providence, with the help of Nishan’s brother. Mr. Nazarian would spend the rest of his life in Rhode Island.
A US Army Veteran, Mr. Nazarian served in the Korean War. After his military service, he attended and graduated from Johnson & Wales Business School (now University). He had a career as an industrial engineer with Federal Products Corp. for over 40 years.
He was an active lifelong member of Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church. In 2011, he was honored during the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide and flag raising in the Town of North Providence. He was also an active Free Mason.
Besides his wife Gloria, he is survived by his loving children, Rev. Fr. Kapriel Nazarian and his wife Debra, of North Providence; Michael C. Nazarian of Coconut Creek, Florida, as well as grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
The Prelate and the Religious and Lay Councils extend their condolences to Mr. Nazarian’s family members and loved ones. May God illuminate his soul.