Aram Edward Bezdegian

Aram Edward Bezdegian, 83, of Worcester, died in his home Fri., Oct. 12, 2007, surrounded by his loving family.

Aram is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 60 years, Surapi Sue (Surabian) Bezdegian; his 5 children: Margaret L'Esperance and her husband Fred of Worcester, John Bezdegian and his wife Anita of Paxton, Janice Phillips and her husband Stephen of Shrewsbury, Joanne Yaylaian and her husband Thomas of Worcester, and David Bezdegian of Worcester; his 8 grandchildren; his 10 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Bezdegian of Shrewsbury and his sister, Agnes (Kit) Tarbox of Gloucester. His parents Avedis and Mary (Manoukian) Bezdegian predeceased him.

Aram was born on June 10, 1924 in Worcester and graduated from Worcester Boys Trade School in 1943 as a machinist. Aram served in the air force from 1943 to 1946 in the 509th Composite Group 393rd Bomb Squad which was responsible for dropping two atomic bombs, one in Hiroshima and the other in Nagasaki, hastening the end of World War II with Japan.

Aram worked diligently at his trade as a machinist for 36 years retiring in 1982. He played the oud in a four piece Armenian dance band and is the last surviving member. He was a member of the Armenian Church of Our Saviour, Armenian American Veterans Club and the Armenian American Civics Club and a former Mason. He was a gourmet cook specializing in Armenian cuisine, an avid gardener, and he enjoyed working out at the Greendale YMCA. He also loved watching the Red Sox, the Patriots, and Tiger Woods.

Aram was a dedicated and devoted husband, father, grandfather and uncle and he will be deeply missed.

Funeral services will be held at the Armenian Church of Our Saviour, Mon., Oct. 15, at 10 a.m. with burial in Hope Cemetery. Calling hours will be held at NORDGREN MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 300 Lincoln St., Sun., Oct. 14, 5-8 p.m. A Dahngark Servie will be held during calling hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Armenian Church of Our Saviour, 87 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609. For directions and on-line condolences, please visit:

nordgrenmemorialchapel.com