George K. “Ripper” Markarian 84, of 201 Holden St., a World War II veteran, died Monday, April 14, at home. He leaves his wife of 55 years, Miriam V. (Kachadorian) Markarian; two sons, Kenneth G. Markarian of Belchertown, and Robert P. Markarian of Epsom, N.H.; two brothers, Peter Markarian of Millbury and Charles Markarian of Worcester; two grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Three brothers, Aram, Anthony, and Harry Markarian, and a sister, Jennie Barsamian, of West Boylston, predeceased him. He was born in Worcester, son of Peter and Sarah (Aslanian) Markarian, and attended the former Commerce High School. He was an Army veteran of World War II, serving in Normandy, France, Rhineland, and Central Europe. The French Government honored him with a medal in 2002 in a ceremony at the Worcester Armory.
Mr. Markarian was a Postal Carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for 33 years retiring in 1984. He was a member of The Armenian Church of Our Saviour, the Knights of Vartan Arshivir Chapter of Worcester, the former Armenian-American Civic Club and the Seniors Group of Holy Trinity Armenian Church. He was a former basketball official, a member of the Greendale Retired Men’s Club, and a life member of the Disabled American Veterans.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 19, in the Armenian Church of Our Saviour, 87 Salisbury Street. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery. Calling hours are 5-8 p.m. Friday, April 18, in Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street. A Dngark Service will be held at 7:30 during the calling hours. Members of the Knights of Vartan will conduct their ritual at 6:30 p.m. during the calling hours. Inn lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Armenian Church of Our Saviour 87 Salisbury Street, Worcester, 01609.