Auburn—Leo Krikorian, 94, died peacefully with his family by his side at Saint Vincent Hospital unexpectedly on Saturday, January 19, 2008. His loving and caring wife of 67 years, Sema whom he married in 1937, passed away in 2000. He leaves his sister, Mary Elloian of Falmouth. His brothers Frank and Hiram “Art” Krikorian predeceased him. He also leaves 2 sons, Robert and his wife Judy of Auburn and Ronald and his wife Sally of Paxton; 1 daughter, Karen McGrail and her husband Francis of Auburn; 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren—Karen Hennessey and her husband Kerry of Windham, NH and their 6 children, John, Zachary, Rachel, Timothy, Andrew, and Gianna; Kevin Krikorian and his wife Susan of Auburn and their 2 children, Matthew and James; Susan Krikorian of Lynn; John Krikorian and his wife Emily of Long Island and their 2 children Lily and Katherine; Mark McGrail and his wife Keri of Auburn and their 2 children, Alexis and Aidan; Sean McGrail of Brighton; Laura Krikorian and Andrew Krikorian, both of Paxton; as well as many loving cousins and extended family.
Leo was born in Worcester, on April 11, 1913, a son of Arakel P. and Baidzar (Voparian) Krikorian and lived in Worcester until moving to Auburn in 1979. As a young man he worked as a courier, transporting news reels to New York theaters. For 20 years (beginning in 1940 with World War II) he was a wire drawer for U.S. Steel Corp. in Worcester and then owned and operated Arrow Cab #148 for many years. He and his brother Frank became partners in an oil burner cleaning service and were well-known by their Chandler/Bancroft Street neighbors. He will always be remembered for his loving service to his wife. She became incapacitated because of numerous strokes. He insisted on taking care of her for years in their home with the help of the Auburn Visiting Nurses Assn. and family. He liked people and was known for his friendly smile and willingness to help everyone he encountered. Leo was also known by his family and friends for his “can-do” attitude and “do-it-yourself” repairs. He began golfing later in life and became an avid golf teacher to family and friends. Leo will always be remembered as a great guy who dedicated his life to his entire family. He will be greatly missed.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Jan. 23, from Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street, Worcester with an 11:00 a.m. service at the Armenian Church of Our Saviour, 87 Salisbury Street, Worcester. Calling hours at the funeral home will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday with a Dahngark Service at 6:30. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Armenian Church of Our Saviour. For directions and on-line condolences, please click on link below.