Minas Arakelian, an artist who owned Venus Graphics & Signs died, Tuesday, October 20, 2015.
He would have celebrated 61 years of marriage with his wife, Maria Arakelian this November. He is also survived by his daughter, Gariné Arakelian and her husband Rick Hamelin of Warren; his son, Aris Armen Arakelian and his wife Danielle Arakelian and grandchildren Patrick and Ryan Arakelian all of Hubbardston. He was born in Romania, on February 13, 1932, the son of Krikor and Sironoush (Mousaian) Arakelian. He was predeceased by his brother, Mesrob Arakelian in 1984.
While living in Bucharest, Minas was the Chief Graphic Designer for the Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Geology until he and his family immigrated to the United States in 1975. He was the Graphic Designer for Worcester Public Library in the 1980’s and soon after he opened his own shop, Venus Graphics & Signs, which he owned and operated until 1996. One of his public art accomplishments was designing the logo for the Worcester Regional Airport. He was prolific in sculpting, carving and painting his multifaceted Surrealistic and Abstract Expressionistic ideas, yet he reproduced Byzantine icons that were indistinguishable from the originals. He exhibited his work in Armenia, Romania and Lebanon as well as in this country. His creative genius is evident in the numerous works he left behind.
Minas had many interests. He was fascinated by languages, he spoke Armenian, Romanian and taught himself English many years prior to coming to the United States and in his retirement he studied Spanish. He was an avid reader and collector of books, loved to fish, traveled to Armenia and enjoyed the outdoors, especially hiking. With his family, he annually spent time in the White Mountains cherishing the memories of hiking the Romanian mountains. He was a photographer who captured treasured moments of travel, family and celebrations.
His funeral service will be held Thursday, October 29 from 5-7 p.m. at Alfred Roy & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Hammond St., Worcester.