Dr. John Kurkjian from Naples Florida (formerly of Needham, Mass) died on October 3rd at NCH Hospital, Naples Florida from heart failure. He was 85 years old.
He passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with Cancer.
Dr. Kurkjian was an ear, nose and throat surgeon at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston. His specialty was the ear. Dr. Kurkjian made contributions in virtually every area of otolaryngology. He co-authored a medical textbook on the ear.
Dr. Kurkjian was a graduate of Boston University and Tufts Medical School. He then fulfilled his military obligation as a Captain in the Air Force, serving as a physician. He interned and served his surgical residency and fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Eye & Ear Infirmary.
In 1965 Dr Kurkjian partnered with Doctor Mckeigue in Arlington and at Mt. Auburn Hospital in Cambridge. Later, in his long career he joined the Harvard Community Health Plan as an ear, nose and throat surgeon.
He was married to his loving wife Marguerite Nigohsian for 50 years. He is survived by his second wife Kathy Cheteyan Kurkjian: his two sons; Ken Kurkjian and his wife Catherine and Glenn Kurkjian and his wife Carol; a sister Rose Margosian; Five grandchildren; Robert, Eric, Carina, Kyle and Carlee and two great grandchildren; Owen and Bentley.
His love of reading, his analytical approach to problem solving and his innate ability to complete complex tasks, prepared him to undertake any job, large or small in construction, including electrical, and plumbing work. Dr. Kurkjian taught himself the art of woodturning. His creations included magnificent model ships, train models and furniture which will be treasured lovingly. His love of cars was wired deep in his genes. He was able to do many car repairs on his own. He was always reading and watching shows about cars.
He will be remembered for his unconditional love. He gave of himself freely and was always willing to share his diverse talents to help everyone with his understated humble soul. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
What we loved most in him is much clearer now that we are separated from him, his tender soul which always eased our pain.
Relatives and friends will honor and remember John’s life by gathering for calling hours in Aram Bedrosian Funeral Home 558 Mount Auburn Street Watertown, MA USA 02472, on Saturday, October 8th from 10 to 11:30 before leaving in procession to, St James Armenian Apostolic Church 465 Mt Auburn St. Watertown, MA 02472 where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12 Noon. Burial will be in The Needham cemetery at 128 Nehoiden Street, Needham, MA 02492.
The Kurkjian Family would like to thank the staff of the Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Cambridge for their dedication and outstanding care.
In lieu of flowers.
Memorial donations in memory of Dr. John M. Kurkjian can be made to the Foundation of Mass. Eye and Ear Infirmary, Inc. (Fdn. MEEI, Inc.) to support the Otolaryngology Resident Education Fund at Mass. Eye and Ear. Please make checks payable to “Fdn. MEEI, Inc.” and mail to Foundation of Mass. Eye and Ear Infirmary, Inc. c/o Development Office, 243 Charles Street Boston, MA 02114.
Or
St James Armenian Apostolic Church. 465 Mt Auburn St. Watertown, MA 02472 465 Mt Auburn St. Watertown, MA 02472