LEVON VARTANIAN (April 22, 1933-April 30, 2025)
His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, and the Religious and Lay Councils of the Eastern Prelacy have learned with sorrow of the passing of Levon Vartanian of Longmeadow, Massachusetts, on April 30. He was 92.
Born on April 22, 1933, in Indian Orchard, Massachusetts, to Negohos and Seranoosh Vartanian, Levon (Leo) Vartanian pursued a distinguished academic and professional path. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1954, a Master of Business Administration from American International College in 1959, and a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from Stanford University in 1967. His nearly four-decade career at Monsanto took him to locations in the United States, Japan, and Belgium.
Leo married Elizabeth (née Manoogian) Vartanian in 1968. They built a life together in Ohio and later in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. He was a devoted member of St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church in Indian Orchard, serving in many capacities, including Board of Trustees member and Chairman, Choir Director, National Representative Assembly Delegate, Men’s Club member, and contributor to the Arev newsletter.
In his letter of condolences, Archbishop Anoushavan wrote: “Leo was a phenomenal individual possessing unique characteristics of sincerity and dignity with a positive mind and spirit, ready to explore solutions amid crises. He was a doer more than a speaker. He was a trustworthy man standing for what was right and good for the community. He was supportive of all pastors, former and present, deeply believing that the success of a community relies on sincere cooperation between the Pastor and the Flock.”
He was active in community service as a longtime Mason and Shriner and was a dedicated volunteer at Shriners Hospital in Springfield, contributing over 3,600 hours and receiving recognition as Volunteer of the Year in 2019.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Elizabeth Vartanian; daughter Elaine Westermark and her husband Gary; grandchildren William and Katarina Westermark; sister Dorothy Piligian; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.
May God illuminate his soul. Աստուած հոգին լուսաւորէ։