Dr. Christopher Babigian

Dr. Christopher Babigian of Avon, formerly of Saddle River and Paramus, NJ, died Sunday, (July 28, 2002). First of two Sons of Melanie and Agazar, survivors of the 1915 Turkish Genocide of the Armenians. Dr. Babigian graduated from Clark University and volunteered in the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving 4½ years as a Lt. (J.G.). Upon his return, he entered Tufts Medical School, graduating in 1950. He did his internship at Jersey City Medical Center and later was the Chief Medical Resident at Hackensack Medical Center. He practiced Medicine and Surgery in Paramus, NJ for 40 years and was dearly loved by his patients, many whom still contacted him after his retirement for guidance and advice. He was very involved in the service of his community. He formed the first Dept. of Family Practice at Valley Hospital in Edgewood, NJ, held many offices including President of Bergen County Medical Society, President of Medical/Dental Staff at Bergen Pines Hospital, Treasurer of the NJ Academy of Family Physicians, Medical Coordinator of Civil Defense Director, Instructor of Paramus Police Training School and served as a Police Surgeon for the City of Paramus. Dr. Babigian was a Shriner in Masonic Order and was past President of the Paramus Lions Club. He was instrumental in starting the Boy's and Girl's Clubs in Paramus, NJ. Another of his greatest involvements and loves was his church for which he served many terms as Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church in Ridgefield, NJ. Subsequently he became President of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Church of America in NYC. In the year 2000, Dr. Babigian was honored with the Golden Merit Award from the N.J. Medical Society. "We have not forgotten the values instilled into us by you - our teacher and mentor." He was Instrumental in rejuvenating the Republican Club in Saddle River, serving as its President for which he was honored by the Borough of Saddle River. He served on the advisory board of the Bergen Community College for many years and was an instructor for the University of Medicine and Dentistry of N.J. Dr. Babigian is survived by his wife of 54 years, Adrienne and his three children, all of Connecticut; Dr. Gregory Babigian and his wife Tina, Christine Babigian Millinger and her husband Dr. Gary Millinger as well as Dr. Armen Babigian and his wife Dr. Laurie Slotnick. He was blessed with six grandchildren, Alexa, Eric, Elise, Max, Carrie and Christopher. Friends may call at The Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main St., Rte. 4, Unionville Thursday evening, 6-9 p.m. There will be a Memorial Prayer Service at 8 p.m. Friends may call again Friday morning, 9-10 a.m. Funeral Procession from The Ahern Funeral Home will be Friday at 10 a.m. followed by Funeral Services in Sts. Stephen's Armenian Church, 167 Tremont St., New Britain at 11 a.m. Burial will be in West Avon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Camp Haiastan in Franklin, MA or to Sts. Stephen's Armenian Church, PO Box 263, New Britain, CT 06050.