Robert Kazarian

KAZARIAN, Robert Robert Kazarian, 86, of Storrs, died peacefully at his home on Wednesday (May 21, 2008). He was born October 25, 1921 in Hartford, the son of Lazarus and Anna (Bandoian) Kazarian. He was raised in Hartford and was a 1939 graduate of Bulkeley High School. In 1951 he graduated from Springfield College, Springfield, MA. As a World War II Army veteran, he served in Europe as a combat officer with the 103rd Division, 7th Army and was discharged in May of 1946 as a 1st Lieutenant. In 1951, he was hired by the Willimantic YMCA for five years as a physical and aquatic director. Coach Kazarian then began his career at Windham High School in 1956 as a physical education teacher and coach until his retirement in 1981. In 1974 the Windham High boys baseball team won the conference title and in 1979 the girls softball team won the state title. Coach Kazarian also served as a basketball referee for 25 years for Board #8, IAABO. He was a member of the Willimantic Elks Lodge. He was predeceased by three sisters, Angeline Kazarian, Sally Kazarian and Peggy Jameson and a brother George Kazarian. He is survived by a niece Cynthia Tunnicliffe and her husband Peter of Sudbury, MA, a nephew Richard Jameson and his wife Barbara of Tucson, AZ, and two great nieces, Jennifer and Rachel Tunnicliffe. There will be no calling hours. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, 99 Jackson St. Willimantic with assembly at the church. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Windham. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Coach Bob Kazarian Student Athlete Scholarship Fund at Windham High School, 355 High St. Willimantic,CT. 06226 or to St. George Armenian Church, 22 White St. Hartford, CT 06114. Arrangements through Potter Funeral Home, Willimantic. For online memorials, please visit www.potterfh.com.