Worcester--Cecil Elijah Aslanian, 92, of 312 June St. died Friday, August 20, 2004 in his home with family by his side. His wife, Zarta (Agabian) Aslanian, died in 1984. He leaves his daughter Sona, wife of Gordon P. Hargrove, of Worcester; his son, Stephen Aslanian, and wife Gail of Arlington, Washington; two grandsons, Gordon P. Hargrove Jr. and Michael P. Hargrove, both of Worcester; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Hurache, “Spotty” Aslanian, and a sister, Victoria Danielian. Born in Worcester, he was the son of Elijah and Aghavni (Deranian) Aslanian.
Cecil was exceptional--a strong, independent, courageous, and loving man who well-served his church, country, community, and family. After serving in the Navy during WW II in the Pacific, Cecil worked for more than 30 years with the federal government as a department supervisor in Rutland Heights and upon moving to Los Angeles in 1964, at the Los Angeles Veterans Hospital. While a union painter there, he enhanced the lives of many patients. He was an active member of several Armenian communities participating and serving many years on the Parish Council of the Armenian Church of our Saviour in Worcester and St. James Armenian Church in Los Angeles. Years ago, as an activist, he helped to establish the first Armenian Democratic League in Worcester, serving as President. He was a 50 year member and past commander of the Knights of Vartan and a member of Isaiah Thomas Masonic Lodge and for years was active with the Armenian American Veterans Association and the Armenian American Civic Club.
Cecil was an avid dancer and excelled in ballroom dancing. His love of God and nature was evident as he traveled often throughout the United States and Europe, with his beloved late wife “Ze”, and in earlier years while camping with his family.
The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 24th, at 11:00 AM at the Armenian Church of Our Saviour, located at 87 Salisbury St. Worcester. Interment will be at Hope Cemetery. Calling hours will be 5:00-8:00 PM Monday, August 23rd at the Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln St. Worcester, MA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be offered to the Armenian Church of Our Saviour Endowment Fund. He will be missed by family and friends.