HAVERHILL, Mass.—Richard K. Bazarian didn’t let his disease stand in the way of service to his beloved Armenian community.
With pancreatic cancer ravaging his body, he continued to show up at genocide commemorations and other community events before death on July 23. He was two days short of his 73rd birthday.
Despite the pain and discomfort, which he kept to himself, Bazarian traveled to genocide committee meetings, kept singing in his church choir, and remained a devoted Knight of Vartan to the very end. He didn’t want it any other way.
“If you didn’t know, you never realized he had Stage 4 pancreatic cancer,” said his close friend, Gary Koltookian. “He was in a weakened condition on the day of a monument dedication and marched with the brother Knights against his family’s wishes. He stood with us the whole day.”
Bazarian took his place by the region’s last genocide survivor, Nellie Nazarian, who showed up for the ceremony despite the rain. Bazarian had been on the committee representing the Armenian Church at Hye Pointe, formerly St. Gregory the Illuminator parish.
His presence and impeccable service there will surely be missed by the church community in Haverhill, especially by its pastor, Rev. Fr. Vart Gyozalian. His death sent a pall of grief throughout Merrimack Valley.
“Richard was a huge part of our parish,” said Father Gyozalian. “He was a spiritual and dedicated member of our church and community and will be missed by all.”
Wherever there was Armenian activity, you would find Bazarian, whether it was a dance, church-related event, or a cause for humanity. He served diligently and without fanfare, much like the Legionnaire he so emulated.
Sharing an allegiance to the Genocide Monument Committee was his involvement with the Armenian Genocide Commemorative Committee of Merrimack Valley, both while representing his church where he was a catalyst in many ways, particularly with the parish council and choir.
His other passion was Arakadz Lodge #35, Knights of Vartan, where he served as commander and secretary.
“Richard was the kind of person who had no enemies,” said Commander Harry Alexanian. “He was a devoted Christian, a dedicated Armenian and family man, as well as a pillar of example of Knightly qualities. In my 18 years with the Knights of Vartan, there was hardly a lodge meeting where he was not present until his illness. Our lodge simply won’t be the same without him.”
Others like Ara Jeknavorian remember him as the strong advocate for the many worthy. The two were activists for Armenian Genocide recognition.
“Richard’s support for that genocide memorial in Lowell was an inspiration to all the committee members,” said Jeknavorian. “He was always looking out for the best in people.”
Bazarian was educated in the Watertown school system and served with the Yankee Division, Army National Guard, where he played with the band. He was employed for 32 years with Verizon until his retirement.
Members of his community remember him as an affable guy who always looked on the positive side of life. He never had a bad word for anybody and truly embraced his family, both immediate and those around him.
He loved attending events with his family, particularly the three grandchildren in his life, whether sports or academic, with pride written on his face.
During his Watertown days, Bazarian coached many a player in basketball, including the late Roger Krikorian, a prominent musician who passed seven years ago. When it came to following Boston’s professional sports teams, Bazarian was partial to none.
He leaves his wife of 45 years, Charlene (Pelosi) Bazarian; a son, Craig and his wife Rosa Bazarian, Peabody; a daughter, JoAnn and her husband Jason Ryan, Hudson, N.H.; siblings, Charles and his wife Carol Bazarian, North Andover; Harvey and his wife Barbara Bazarian, Quechee, Vt.; Carl Sr. and his wife Linda Bazarian, Amelia Island, Fla.; Maryjo Bazarian Murray and her husband Sean, Uxbridge; a brother-in-law, Frank Pelosi, Sandown, N.H.; an aunt, Margaret Bazarian, Watertown; and three grandchildren, Nuno, Evan, and Ryan Bazarian.
Services took place at the Armenian Church at Hye Pointe.
Memorial contributions may be made either to the Armenian Genocide Monument Committee of Merrimack Valley, c/o Richard Juknavorian, 61 Salem St., Methuen, MA 01844 or Armenian Church at Hye Pointe, P.O. Box 8069, Ward Hill, MA 01835.
Tom Vartabedian
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