Dikran Meguerditchian, of Lexington, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on November 15, 2024, at age 98.
Dikran was born on September 20, 1926 in Haifa, Palestine. He was the second child to Meguerditch Meguerditchian (of Moush) and Florentza Der Margossian (of Sepastia), survivors of the 1915 Armenian Genocide. Dikran was an entrepreneur from the age of 17, when the untimely death of his father obliged him to help take care of his family. His first venture was a laundry business, washing uniforms for the British Army stationed in Palestine. The Nakba forced the family to flee to Lebanon, where he and his uncle opened a photo shop. It was there that he honed his skill in 6 languages, and where he learned the art of studio photography — the profession that would become his backbone in the new world. Unrest in Lebanon forced the family to flee again to the United States in 1956. After a few odd jobs, Dikran borrowed some money from friends and opened Cameras, Inc. on Tremont Street in Boston. This small photo store would move to Arlington and become an institution that spanned 40 years and multiple locations, where in turn he was able to provide the first stepping stone for many newcomers to the US. As photography gave way from film to digital, Dikran turned his sights to real estate and for the next 30 years he enjoyed the challenges of building and maintaining properties.
Beyond his personal accomplishments, Dikran was a private person dedicated to his family. In 1960, he married Maro Kalemderian — a woman who had caught his eye while still back in Beirut— a love and union that would last 64 years. For many years they focused on raising their family and building their lives in the new world. As they settled into the community, Dikran and Maro enjoyed spending time with friends and family, taking trips and cruises, and later, discovered the warmer weather of Florida in winter months.
Dikran was the loving father of Armen and his wife Sylvie, and Arpi and her husband Rafi Kouyoumdjian. He cherished and adored his grandchildren Araz and Sevan Kouyoumdjian, and Garen and Sarine Meguerditchian. Dikran was predeceased by his sisters Asdghig Nassar, Arpiné Meguerditchian, Araxy Toomajanian, and his brother, Vahe Meguerditchian. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great nieces and great-great nephews
Along the way, Dikran never forgot where he came from, especially the dashed hopes of higher education he and his sisters never had due to life’s circumstances. Consequently, he was devoted to his father’s legacy, the Headmaster of the Armenian orphanage in Haifa, of aspiring to education and devotion to the Armenian community. He was an ardent yet quiet advocate of numerous Armenian civic and political causes, and was most happy to know that he was supporting a hope for others that he or his sisters were not able to realize.
Funeral services will be held at the St. Stephens Armenian Church, 38 Elton Avenue, Watertown, MA on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 11:00am. Visitation will be prior to the funeral service starting at 10:00am in the sanctuary of the church. Interment to follow at Wildwood Cemetery in Winchester, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Stephens Armenian Apostolic Church , or the Armenian National Committee of America.