Photo courtesy of Nelson Funeral Home
Park Ridge, Illinois
Jan 8, 1933 – Aug 3, 2024
Having made a beautifully weighted impact on the world, Edward Babajan Paulissian, M.D., passed away peacefully on August 3, 2024, at 91 years. He is survived by cherished family including his beloved wife Florence, son Mark (Silva), daughter Rammina Hamill (John), daughter Ninveh Neuman (Chris), grandchildren Grace, Matthew, Edward, Samuel, Sophia, Julia, and Jack, brother Robert (Martha), sister Nora Sayad, sister-in-law Akabel, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Babajan and Asnat, sister Mary Tamimi (Fred), sister Janie Joseph (Jonathan), brother Samuel, and brother-in-law David Sayad.
A gifted surgeon and lover of music ranging from classical to Joan Baez folk songs, Edward epitomized the loving family patriarch. An Assyrian Christian with an encyclopedic mind who remained true to his heritage, Edward emigrated from Iran to the United States where he built a better life for his full family. He proudly lived the quintessential American dream. Generations flowing from family, friends, and former patients now flourish in deep gratitude, thanks to his hard work, wisdom, and boundless generosity. He leaves this world upon a lifelong fulfillment of his surgeon’s oath, “enjoying life and art, respected while he lived, and remembered with affection thereafter.”
Visitation Wednesday, August 7, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Home, 820 Talcott Rd, Park Ridge, IL 60068. Visitation Thursday, August 8, 2024 from 10 a.m. until time of Service at 11 a.m. at The Village Church of Northbrook, 1300 Shermer Road, Northbrook, IL 60062. Interment will be private.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Assyrian Aid Society of America https://assyrianaid.org/#donatenow
What a wonderful man! We were not aware of his passing until the gentleman working on the old house on Margo told me yesterday that Ed had passed. A terrible shock since we only heard good things from Mark and the sisters.
Edie and I are sorry we were not told. Please accept our sympathy!
Jim & Edie Mazurek
October 04, 2024 | Northbrook, IL | Neighbor
I was an E.R. nurse at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago 1968 -1980. I remember Dr. Paulissian well. Peace to his memory, and to all who loved him. Thanks for the beautifully written obituary.
Rachel Doyle
August 19, 2024 | North Yarmouth, ME
I met Edward when he was twenty-five and I was ten years old. My parents and I were visiting our relatives, Bismat and Tom in Yonkers, New York. My father, Stephan Karam, was a classical violinist and composer, and aside from the pleasure of meeting his cousin Edward for the first time, he was so glad that Edward appreciated classical music. We all liked Edward immediately—-how could one not?—- and were a bit sad when he moved to Chicago, although it was clearly a wise decision on his part....
Daisy Karam-Read
August 18, 2024 | Gulfort, MS | Family
I am so honored to have known Edward and his wonderful extended family. His life in words written and the wonderful video of his life is beautifully done. It was the love he gave to all he met that I will remember. He lit up the room and was the life of any gathering. He touched my life in a beautiful, Christian way and I will always be grateful for that! Love and hugs to his wonderful family. Love, Jeannie Smith
Jeannie Smith
August 10, 2024 | Bossier City, LA | Friend
In loving memory of a wonderful person and a beloved uncle. We will love you and miss you always.
Robert and Lorinda Badalian
August 06, 2024 | San Jose, CA | Family
