Michael Nalbandian

Michael Nalbandian, 92, of Burlington, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home on August 23, 2025.

Born in New York City, Michael was the second of two children to Virginia and Paul Nalbandian. He was predeceased by his beloved brother, Anthony. Over the years, he made his home in West New York, Cliffside Park, Paramus, Toms River, and finally Burlington.

In 1953, Michael was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War and proudly served as a Tank Commander with the 2nd Armored Division. Stationed in Germany along the Czechoslovakian border, he often spoke with pride about his years of service to his country.

Upon returning home in March 1955, Michael met the love of his life, Arlene, at an Armenian dance. From that day forward, she was his first priority. The couple would have celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary this October. Known for his devotion, Michael was always asking Arlene what she wanted or where she wished to go, and he found joy in fulfilling her wishes. Together, they raised their two sons, Michael and Alan, in Paramus, where Michael also coached Little League baseball.

Michael was known for his tireless work ethic. He dedicated forty years as a printing manager at Colliers Graphics, a photoengraving shop on West 40th Street in New York. At various times, he also ran his own painting company and worked as superintendent for Hip Medical Group. After retiring to Toms River, he even drove a school bus, working well into his eighties. Providing for his family was his greatest priority, and he instilled that same value in his sons.

Outside of work, Michael nurtured his lifelong passions. He had a true green thumb and lovingly tended vegetable gardens wherever he lived. He enjoyed crabbing and fishing, as well as exploring local restaurants and sampling new food and drink. A devoted father, he loved watching his son Michael race motocross and cheering for his son Alan on the soccer and baseball fields. Michael was also a loyal New York Rangers fan and attended games at Madison Square Garden whenever he could. He cherished trips to Shea Stadium to see the Mets, including one unforgettable game on his son's birthday when a May cold snap left the whole family bundled up and shivering.

In June 1964, Michael was initiated into Masonic Lodge #293. He was also a proud member of the Paramus VFW.

Michael is survived by his sons: Michael and his wife Heather, and Alan and his wife Dana. Cherished grandfather of Nicholas, Cara, Johnathan, and Jacob. His four grandchildren were the light of his life, and he created countless memories with them during their annual summer vacations in Avalon, New Jersey.

Visitation will be held at Vander Plaat Memorial Home, 113 South Farview Avenue, Paramus, NJ, on Tuesday, September 2, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., with a Funeral Service at 12 p.m, followed by an interment at George Washington Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Michael's memory to St. Labre Indian School at https://www.stlabre.org/.