Dr. George J. Kerkorian

Dr. George Kerkorian of Marstons Mills, a beloved dentist and World War II Navy veteran, passed away at the extraordinary age of 100 ½ on August 26th, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. George (or Papa as he was affectionally called by all) was the devoted husband of the love of his life, the late Darlene Nell (Huber) Kerkorian with whom he shared 69 years of marriage.

Born to Armenian immigrants Jasper and Elizabeth Kerkorian, George's remarkable life began on January 30, 1925. He was raised in Worcester, MA with his three wonderful sisters: Helen, (George Mouradian), Diana (Harry Adamian) and Andrea (Robert Movsessian and Norman Wallack).

George was an outstanding student in high school, but tried to leave early to volunteer for the Navy when World War II broke out. However, he was only sixteen and was told to come back when he was eighteen. Not to be denied (and refusing to take no for an answer) he came back on his seventieth birthday with his father who signed his paperwork for enlistment.

George finished basic training in Quonset, RI and applied for flight school to fulfill his desire of being a Navy Pilot, but the Navy saw his high-test scores in science and decided he was more valuable as a medic. He was sent for medical training in Virginia, and then put on a troop train with the Marines to board a transport ship destined for war in the Pacific theatre. However, a fateful stop at Great Lakes Naval Base in Illinois changed the trajectory of his life. He was taken off the train and assigned to the base, where one star crossed night, and on a whim, he went with a buddy to a USO dance in Milwaukee. It was at the dance that he looked across the room and saw the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. He couldn't stop staring at her, but also couldn't muster the courage to speak with her. She finally had enough of the staring contest and approached him with the words he would remember for the rest of his life; "Are you glued to that stool?" Thus began the whirlwind romance with Darlene Huber that led to their marriage on May 23rd, 1948.

After the war, George moved to Milwaukee to be with Darlene while he finished college and then Marquette University School of Dentistry. While in dental school, George worked at two, and sometimes three jobs to support his wife and two new children (Karyn & Greg), but that didn't stop him from graduating first in his class. He was offered several jobs in Milwaukee, but he felt the heartstrings from home tugging too hard, so he packed up the family to move back to Worcester, where he opened a successful dental practice for 35 years.

His love of Cape Cod brought them to their retirement home in Marstons Mills, however, retirement was not his future, and his passion for dentistry brought him to Falmouth Dental Associates, where he practiced dentistry for another 20 years before finally retiring at age 87. His dedication to dentistry at Falmouth Dental Associates opened up new opportunities for George at Cape Cares, an organization that provides medical and dental services to Central American relief efforts. George traveled to Honduras for several years providing free dental care to underserved communities.

George was a proud member of the Massachusetts Dental Society for 50 consecutive years. He served as a Deacon of the First Baptist Church of Worcester for ten years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge for 63 years and was a dedicated member of Kiwanis. He was a longtime member of Pleasant Valley Country Club and Cummaquid Golf Club.

Beyond his professional and service commitments George found joy in golf and sailing. Even after his retirement his hobbies expanded to painting, baking breads, and making delicious Armenian dishes. He also enjoyed his cigars, scotch and hot banana pepper sandwiches that he attributed to his longevity. George was an inspiring example to his family and he always conveyed, "attitude is everything!" He loved life and lived it to the fullest

Although family was the center of George and Darlene's world, their faith in God was at the forefront of their marriage. George was never afraid to die since he knew he was going to be with the Lord and everyone he loved who passed before him.

To all who knew him, George was truly the man, the myth, the legend.

George is survived by his five children: Karyn and late beloved husband Harry Kachadoorian; Greg and wife Mellissa; Debra and husband Tom Classen; Sandra and husband Edward Nabhan; and Lisa and lifelong partner Samuel Lovett. George was the proud Grandfather of ten grandchildren: Taline, Alyssa, Brooke, Kristyn, Greg, William, Conrad, Alexander, Alessandra, and Annalisa. He was also a proud Great Grandfather of twelve: Cameron, Chase, Hunter, Logan, Sofia, Olivia, Brooklyn, Jackson, George, Penelope, Malachi, and Olivia.

Calling hours will be held at United Methodist Church of Osterville on Tuesday September 2, 2025 from 9:30 am to 11:00 am with Church Service beginning at 11:00 am. A private burial will be held for the Family.

United Methodist Church of Osterville

57 Pond St, Osterville MA,

02655

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the United Methodist Church of Osterville, a portion will be donated to helping U.S. Navy Veterans in need.