John William Arakelian

John Arakelian, a man who could fashion a laugh as masterfully as he could a precision tool, has taken his final bow in the grand stage of life. Born on January 30, 1956, in the industrious city of Dearborn, MI to the late Jack and Wilma Arakelian, John's early days were filled with the kind of stories you'd swear were tall tales if you didn't know him. He left us as he lived, peacefully and without unnecessary fanfare, in Inkster, MI, due to natural causes on February 22, 2026 at the young age of 70.

With a career spanning over four decades as a tool and die maker, John truly left his mark on the world, quite literally, on the very machines that drive America. His final 15 working years were spent at Ford Motor Company as a tool maker. Those days were like a long-running sitcom-same time, same place, with an ever-evolving cast of characters and endless episodes of workplace shenanigans. John was the guy who could fix a complex machine with nothing but a paperclip and a wad of gum, all while cracking jokes that made the stress of looming deadlines seem like part of the punchline.

John's humor permeated every aspect of his life. He was the funny, adventurous, and handy neighbor everyone relied on, whether it was for a quick fix or a hearty chuckle. He could be found fishing, where the fish were as likely to be caught as they were to be part of an elaborate story that somehow always ended with "you had to be there." His favorite spot was at Pointe Mouillee. John's tractor was his trusty steed, upon which he'd ride, surveying his kingdom, a suburban serf with the heart of a king, waving to his subjects-also known as the neighbors.

Old TV shows were his crystal ball, a lens into a simpler time, a place where the laughter track was always on cue. But it was his grandkids, Clara, Connor, Cayla, Courtney, and Carter, who provided the live studio audience for his antics, their giggles and guffaws a testament to his natural talent for amusement and adventure.

John's former spouse, Marcy Coffman, and their children, Alaina (Matt) Simcik, Amanda Arakelian, and Eric Arakelian, were the original cast members in the sitcom of his life. They knew his heart, his quirks, and the love that lay beneath every joke and jibe. He also leaves behind his siblings, Jacqui (Jim) Burkowski, Jeff Arakelian, and Joyce Arakelian, along with his cherished nieces and nephew: Jim Burkowski, Heather (Chris) Anderson, and Megan (Jeremy) Mentley. Each holds countless stories of John's antics-stories that will continue to spark laughter and keep his spirit alive for years to come. He will also be deeply missed by many dear friends, including Brian Giangrande, whose lives were brighter for having known him.

His canine companions, Boris, Natasha, Sephie, and Angel, were his four-legged fans, always eager for the next episode of shenanigans, and likely the only ones who could out-stare him during a comedic pause.

John Arakelian's curtain call may have come, but the reruns of his life will play on in the hearts and memories of those who loved him. This world is a little less bright without his humor, a little less clever without his craftsmanship, and a little less kind without his heart. John, here's to the final punchline being your best. May you have them rolling in the aisles wherever you are now, and may your laughter forever echo in the lives you've touched.

A celebration of John's life will be held at a later date. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Dearborn Chapel of Voran Funeral Home, 23701 Ford Road. (313) 278-5100. Please share memories and/or leave condolences on John's guestbook on his tribute wall.