Thomas Najarian

Thomas Najarian, MD (August 2, 1947 - November 17, 2024)

It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of Dr. Thomas Najarian, on November 17, 2024, beloved husband, brother, father, step-father, uncle, cousin, and grandfather.

Tom resided with, and is survived by his wife, Sue Unkel, of Incline Village, Nevada; his brother and wife, Robert and Christine Najarian; his children (grandchildren): Nova Silver and Jeffrey Silver (Gabriel and Anna Young), Mono and Jacqueline Veissid (Stella Maritza, Olivia Christel, and Fiona Colette), Sina Lucia and Kent Skates (Armenie Melinda, William Kent, and Evelyn Lucinda); his step-children (step-grandchildren), Christopher Unkel, Jana Unkel (Rosa Coot, and Lisandro Coot); and his former spouse, Sina Maritza Dinjian. He is predeceased by his parents Armenie and Albert Najarian and his sister, Ann Najarian.

At an early age Tom demonstrated both athletic and academic scholarship. He was top of his class at Rockland High School, while simultaneously lettering in multiple varsity sports. Tom was well-loved, grew up in a close-knit community of cousins, which he kept in close contact with over the years.

Tom was intelligent, charismatic, and a master of many skills. Following high school, he went on to receive a mechanical engineering degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1969, and applied those reasoning skills to Harvard University School of Medicine graduating in 1974, Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Hematology.

From his early days of investigating the sewer systems of downtown Boston in an effort to curb Charles River pollution, to nuclear radiation studies at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, to designing and building the first passive solar home in New England, to developing cures for Hepatitis B and C that are still used today, to his later endeavors, impacting the life expectancy of a whole community through his innovative weight loss technologies, Tom was an incredible man.

He was active in the Armenian Community throughout his younger years and following completion of his Medical Residency, Tom opened up a private practice in Belmont serving many of the Armenian community, including many of our beloved Der Hayr's over the years.

Among his notable recognitions in the press, he was featured on the front page of the New York Times, spotlighted on the front page of regional newspapers countless times, featured in magazines, interviewed on network news shows, testified to Congress about the dangers of low-level radiation as an expert in the field, and published in multiple scientific journals as lead author. But more than his nationwide accomplishments in healthcare, public policy, and design, he was dedicated to helping his family and loved ones. Wherever he went he developed a thriving practice, coupled with on-going speaking engagements at prestigious medical schools around the country. Through his dedication to the field of medicine, many can say, "Tom saved my life." That's who he was.

Tom had a unique way of looking at health and longevity. When faced with a problem, he welcomed the challenge. He had an uncanny ability to find a solution that no one else could think of. He was always competitive and strived to be the best, but he also understood that life on this planet is precious. He loved to laugh and make jokes with his friends and family. He loved to travel and be in beautiful places with his wife, his family, his wife's family, and his friends.

On these many vacations, Tom was often found outside biking, hiking, body surfing, rafting, playing tennis, and games with his children and many grandchildren. Indoors, he could be found gathered around a table playing competitive family board games, card games, chess, and most of all he loved backgammon. In his younger years, even entering backgammon and chess competitions, and doing quite well. Many nights, you could find Tom sitting quietly outside, marveling at the beauty and peacefulness of the night sky. He was fascinated by astronomy and often made special plans to view meteor showers, comets, eclipse, and other astronomical events.

He had a magnetic personality; when he spoke people would listen to what he had to say. He and his wife built a beautiful life together over the last 25 years. They supported each other with love and companionship, and stood by each other through thick and thin. Towards the end, over the last year, his body began to slow down, but his mind stayed alive and active until the end. He wouldn't have had it any other way.

Tom passed peacefully in the hospital surrounded by the love and support of his family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to a charity of the donor's choosing. Private services will be held.