His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, and the Religious and Executive Councils have learned with sorrow of the passing of Bedros Peter Mangikian, M.D. He was 92.
Dr. Mangikian was born in Aleppo, Syria, on October 3, 1931, to Armenian parents Ardemis and Yervant Manguikian, passed away on November 23. Formerly of Syracuse, New York, and more recently of McLean, Virginia, Dr. Mangikian was a highly respected general and vascular surgeon who practiced primarily in Syracuse, New York, and was affiliated with Upstate Medical Center and the Syracuse VA Medical Center.
Dr. Mangikian’s journey began with a strong work ethic developed early in life, working alongside his cobbler father and cultivating a passion for photography which helped fund his early education. He attended Aleppo College and then, with the joint financial support of his sister Yeran, a multilingual telephone operator, and his older brother, Arshak, co-owner of a very successful rubber boot factory, Dr. Mangikian earned his medical degree from the American University of Beirut School of Medicine with high honors. His academic brilliance won him accolades and a scholarship from British-Armenian businessman Calouste Gulbenkian. He completed his residency in general and vascular surgery at the State University of New York Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, after which he left the United States as his visa was expiring. He then spent two years working for Aramco in Saudi Arabia followed by a practice in Beirut, Lebanon before being able to return to the U.S. After a short interval working for a hospital in Philadelphia, he settled in Syracuse, establishing his private surgical practice.
Dr. Mangikian was known for his forthright manner and exceptional surgical skills, earning him high regard among peers in upstate New York. He was also an avid reader, particularly in finance, and a successful stock market investor. Passionate about education, he consistently advocated for higher learning, proudly noting that all his nieces and nephews are university graduates. To memorialize his desire to be a champion of education, he funded a lecture hall at the American University of Armenia in addition to a generous donation to the Armenian Missionary Association of America to build a kindergarten in Stepanakert, Artsakh. He also generously supported the Armenian Church and established a memorial fund with the Eastern Prelacy to assist the elderly and those with disabilities in Armenia.
Unmarried, Dr. Mangikian was a family man at heart, sponsoring his mother, siblings, and their families’ immigration to the United States from war-torn regions. He ensured their successful integration, emphasizing education and employment. His compassion, resilience, and pursuit of excellence profoundly influenced his extended family. He lived a humble existence throughout his life, who disregarded transient pleasures.
Preceding him in death were his siblings: Yeran Garian of Syracuse (1922-1981), Arshak Manguikian of Orlando, FL (1925-2001), and Dertad Manguikian, M.D., of McLean, Virginia (1941-2023). He is survived by his extended family, including sister-in-law Seta; nieces Nora, Tina, and nephews Thomas, Roupen, Shahan, Viken, Andre, Alex, and their families.
The greater Prelacy family extends their condolences to his family and loved ones for their loss. May God illuminate his soul.