George DERDERIAN

1922 - 2015

DERDERIAN, George George ("Krikor") Derderian, a first generation American, was born in Rochester NY on November 19, 1922 to Sogoma and Sirkes Derderian, Armenian genocide survivors. He grew up in Queens, NY where he won a scholarship in 1941 to attend Queens College. His studies, however, were interrupted in 1943 when he enlisted in the Army (7th Army/63rd Infantry Division). George fought on the front line, including the Battle of the Bulge, for 127 consecutive days. His infantry regiment helped to liberate many concentration camps, including Dachau. For George's valor he was awarded the Bronze Star for Heroism in Combat, three battle stars and the Combat Infantry Badge. In addition the French government bestowed upon him Diplome for his contributions during the war. After WW2, George continued his studies at Queens College and graduated in 1947 with a BS in Physics. George received his masters degree in physics from NYU in 1951. He worked for Signal Labs at Fort Mommouth, NJ where he met Alice Kenney, a fellow physicist, who became his bride in 1953. George worked for Republic Aviation and Sperry Labs prior to his position as the head of the US Dept of Navy Physical Sciences Laboratories, Winter Park, Florida. He had numerous patents including ones on the Laser Ranging Retroreflector measurement system which Neil Armstrong placed on the moon in July of 1969 and is still used to this day. George enjoyed encouraging students in the sciences and taught Physics at Pratt Institute, Hofstra University and Rollins College. He volunteered many hours also in judging science fairs. George retired in 1979 and traveled the world with his bride. George loved being with family, was passionate about sports, and encouraged others to pursue their dreams. When George was asked by one of his grandsons why he decided to be a physicist, he replied that he did it to help mankind. George was preceded in death by his wife Alice, parents Sirkes & Sogoma, and brother, Charles and is survived by his two brothers, John and Robert, his four children, Gregory (Mary Jayne), Jeanne (Douglas Seeb), Susan (David Jewell), and Elizabeth (Tom Wood) as well as nine grandchildren. The family will hold a visitation on Sunday, March 1st at Crowell Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory (5051 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Peachtree Corners, GA) from 3 - 5 pm. George's funeral will be held at Crowell Brothers on Monday, March 2nd at 11am followed by an internment at Arlington Cemetery (Roswell, GA). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SOORP HAROUTIUN ARMENIAN CHURCH, PO Box 1242, Windermere, Florida 34786 or to the Alzheimer's Association. On-line condolences can be made at www.crowellbrothers.com. Arrangements by Crowell Brothers Funeral Home and Crematory, 770-448-5757.