Jonathan E. Chorlian

1931 - 2011

Dover - Jonathan E. Chorlian, 80, of Dover, died at home among his family on Friday, Sept. 9, 2011.

He grew up in Revere, Mass., where he became an accomplished violinist, joining the Boston Civic Symphony at age 16, serving as the concertmaster of the Massachusetts All-State Orchestra and performing frequently (including on the radio) with his brother and sister as the "Chorlian Trio." He graduated from MIT with degrees in chemical engineering. After briefly serving in the U.S. Army, he worked as an engineer at Arthur D. Little and then at Metal Hydrides. He took pottery classes at the Museum School in Boston and after nearly a decade of enjoying pottery as a hobby, he decided to pursue pottery professionally. In 1968, he moved his family to Durham, where he became a juried member of the League of N.H. Craftsmen, first in pottery and later in jewelry-making. He used his chemistry background to develop interesting glazes as a potter, although he was most proud of the forms of his pottery. He also made fine violin bows.

Jonathan loved fishing and the many beautiful places that it took him throughout his life. In recent years, he enjoyed fishing with his friends from the Three Rivers Stocking Association of which he was a founding and active member. As "Otter," he was a longstanding and enthusiastic participant in the "Fly Fishing in N.H." online forum.

He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Dorothy Chorlian; a brother, David Chorlian and his wife Thelma of Dumont, N.J.; a sister, Lois Holt and her husband Howard, of El Paso, Texas; a son, Jonathan A. Chorlian and his wife, Meg, of Concord; a daughter, Sarah Kearns and her husband, David, of Middlebury, Vt.; a stepson, Theodore Warren, of Concord; a stepdaughter, Jennifer Warren, of Dover; his first wife, Marissa Richardson, of Concord; six grandchildren; nieces and nephews; cousins; and his Uncle Joe, 97, Aunt Helen, 95, and Aunt Ruth, 91.

The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to Dr. Jochen Lorch and Dan Gorman, NP, of DFCI, and Dr. Mark Blackwood of Durham Health Center for their dedicated and loving care.

A memorial service celebrating Jonathan's life will be held Saturday, Sept. 17 at 1 p.m. at South Church, Unitarian-Universalist, in Portsmouth.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the League of N.H. Craftsmen, Three Rivers Stocking Association, South Church of Portsmouth, or the charity of your choice.

To sign an online guest book, visit taskerfh.com.