Armen Halburian Obituary

HALBURIAN Armen, 77, of Ringwood, NJ, passed away on March 16, 2011. He waged a miraculous battle against cancer and astounded all those who knew him. Dr. John Rundback of Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck is credited with giving Armen five extra years of quality life through his interventional technology procedures. Armen was an extraordinary drummer, percussionist and inventor. Armen was a member of Herbie Mann's "Family of Mann," he recorded and toured alongside heavyweights Steve Gadd, Tony Levin, David "Fathead" Newman, Cissy Houston, Sam Brown and many more. Armen recorded on over fifty albums including Larry Young's "Lawrence of Newark," Dave Liebman's "Lookout Farm" and many others. He earned the reputation as an imaginative and tasteful musician. He attained prominence and recognition among musicians as one who's high energy level and personal style feeds back inspiration and creative spirit. He also invented the famous 4 in 1 drum tool and the "Armen Solid Bar Chimes" which he designed and patented. His chimes sold successfully throughout the world. Since 2009 Armen played at the Chapala Grill in Bergenfield with a nine-piece Latin jazz band, "Cactus Salad," led by traps master Russ DiBona. This gig became Armens musical and spiritual refueling. Armen became a devout Roman Catholic in 1999 and dedicated his life to the teachings of Jesus Christ. He attended Saint Joan of Arc Church in Sloatsburg, NY. He is predeceased by his father, Michael, his mother Corrine, his sister Zapeur Bagdasarian and brother-in-law Aram. Armen is survived by his companion of over 27 years, Joan Sergi, nieces Dawn Booth, Lorna Bagdasarian and nephew, Jeff Bagdasarian. Armen was great-uncle to Joshua, Justin, Courtney, Shannon, Caroline, Kimberly, Jennifer and Amanda. Funeral from the D'Agostino Funeral Home 881 Ringwood Avenue Haskell on Friday 9 AM and a 10 AM mass at St Joan of Arc RC Church 32 Eagle Valley Road Sloatsburg, NY. Interment Cedar Grove Cemetery Queens, NY. Visiting Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM. In lieu of flowers donations to St Joan of Arc R.C. Church.

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Published by The Record/Herald News on Mar. 17, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Armen Halburian

12 Entries

Diane Acciavatti

March 11, 2025

Lord Jesus Christ, Thank you for blessing us with the rare friendship and brotherhood of our beloved Armen! With persistent praise of Jesus Christ as his Lord God and Savior, Armen shared the stellar blessings and talents that Our Father had bestowed to him; and among those great gifts shone his virtues of perpetual fervor, humility, and generosity. May Armen be eternally rewarded in The Heavenly Kingdom Of Our Almighty God! May the consoling confidence of The Holy Spirit be with the family and friends of our beloved Armen. And for all of us who are fortunate owners of the "Armen Solid Bar Chimes", may we spread his sonic star-dust with every stellar strum...

Diane Acciavatti

March 11, 2024

Dearest Armen, May you delight in The Eternal Peace Of Christ! And especially for You, there is a Son-Shining bead on my daily Rosary! Ave Maria gratia plena! Iesus Christus vivit in secula seculorum, amen!!!

Diane Acciavatti

June 11, 2023

There is not a Day that unfolds without the soulful stardust sounds of my "Armen Solid Bar Chimes"! For always, Armen is in my Prayers and in my Soundscape.
Armen was one of the most beautiful Souls that I have been blessed to befriend; and never shall I forget the Life-Lessons that he brought to me, so humbly and gently, through our Savior Jesus Christ and our Blessed Mother Mary. Armen was especially gifted with a multitude of talent for extensive purpose; and he fulfilled his missions with unusual fervor and remarkable passion. Armen was an honest God-Loving Friend, with such integrity and selflessness.... his compassionate Heart was like a giant rare Ruby. May he rest in the eternal Peace of Jesus Christ with his beloved Parents. I thank God for his Friendship. Armen is sorely missed, and always remembered...

Richard Gonzalez

March 11, 2020

Armen we miss you and love you my dear friend very special musician had the honor to work with him and partake with him so special RIP my friend.

Jack Vartan

April 3, 2011

I never forgot the times when Armen came over to the big band rehearsals back in 95' when we were getting ready for the shows for the season at the Stony Hill Inn in Hackensack NJ... it gave me a great pleasure to welcome Armen aboard to chair my big band here in new jersey. You were one great person with charm and charisma and your memories are always and will be around us. God Bless you Mr. Halburian. From all of us.

JV Entertainment Associates of America LLC

Armen Donelian

March 28, 2011

Armen was a relative of mine, but more a friend. I was 10 when I first met him at my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary. Armen was one of my "cool" relatives; I could immediately relate to him, and I admired him. In later years, as a musician myself, I had many conversations with him during which he offered his humorous and enlightening stories and his views about music, spirituality and life. Armen was always active, right until the end. There was always something for him to express his feelings about, he was always engaged and involved with the world. I will miss him terribly.

March 19, 2011

Our Dear Armen,

The memories of you playing the Dumbeg at our yearly Kunjilar Picnic, and everyone dancing -will be greatly missed and cherished by all. Thanks for the unforgettable memories. YOU WILL BE MISSED!
Rest in peace Armen, and may God continue to bless your memory forever.

Frances & Jim Kasbarian

Mike and Durette Candito

March 18, 2011

Armen was a great friend who loved life and loved the music ..... a world class musician and a world first class human being. He will be truly missed by his friends, family, and the entire music community....... Love you man!! Keep swingin'

don larkin

March 17, 2011

a bit of magic has left the world..offset by the magic of the music he made and indelibly left on all who heard him...play on armen

Jono Frola

March 17, 2011

Armen was a true friend and insipration to all who knew him. His wisdom and spirit found ways to uplift you even in your down moments. He will be missed by all. Rest in Peace brother. I will miss you. Jono

Rob Romeo

March 17, 2011

Dear Lord, please grant our beloved Armen eternal peace... in Jesus' Name... Amen!... I loved watching you play, using your ingenious inventions, and performing alongside of you—which demanded endless amounts of sensitive expression. Most of all, I will cherish your humble-loyal-friendship, nonjudgmental encouragement, your childlike enthusiasm (as if a kid permanently surrounded by Christmas presents), and the thoughtful, amazing conversations about everything—I will miss you beyond words... Love, Rob

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