Ohannes "John" Yacoubian

Ohannes "John" Yacoubian, 86, of Chattanooga, died suddenly, Tuesday, June 24, 2025 in Lezzeno, Italy. Husband, father, grandfather, business founder, and friend to all,. John, was born July 12, 1938 in Jerablus, Syria to Nerces and Takouhi Yacoubian. Also affectionately known as "Dado," "Papa," and "Grampa," he is survived by his wife of 55 years, Zevart Hagopian Yacoubian; sisters Osanna Kojoglanian, Azad Vartanian, and Mayda Messerian; brother Kevork Yacoubian; daughters Talene Yacoubian (Dan Carsen) and Ani Yacoubian Riggs (Matt Riggs); son Hovig Yacoubian (Amy Buttram Yacoubian); and five grandchildren, Lucine Carsen (18), Mayri Carsen (15), Ealyn Riggs (10), and twins Armen Paul Riggs and Garo John Riggs (2). The namesake of Yacoubian Tailors, a Chattanooga business for 55 years, John came to the United States in 1968 from Beirut, where he'd started as a tailor's apprentice working 90-hour weeks at the age of 15. When he arrived in the US, he didn't speak the language, but through hard work, faith, and skill, he eventually built a well-known business and a loving family, which was the reason he continued to work so hard and persevere through early financial struggles. Besides being a humble, beloved patriarch who did everything for the people who depended on him every day, he quietly supported others in need and various charities throughout his long, selfless life. Among other things, John will be remembered for his stoic work ethic in building an anchor of the Chattanooga business community; joyously dancing and clapping to Armenian music, usually with his grandchildren on his strong shoulders; quietly reading and pondering the Bible in his rare time off; and, his constant kindness and formidable natural intelligence, both of which helped him found his successful business, invest strategically, and – whether in English, Armenian or other languages – make people laugh and feel welcome. The Yacoubian family is grateful to Jeff and Jaimee LaTour of Arlington, Texas; Julian and Elizabeth Kaufman of Chattanooga; Sara Bergamin of Bellagio, Italy; the management of the Filario hotel in Lezzeno, Italy; and everyone else who has showed kindness during this difficult time. Family and friends will gather for a memorial service 12:00 P.M. Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Christ United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends from 9 A.M. to -12 P.M. Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a contribution to the Chatt Foundation (https://chattfoundation.org/) or to the Paros Foundation (https://parosfoundation.org/donations/debi-arach-childrens-center-2026-operating-budget/).
Visit the online obituary www.heritagechattanooga.com to post tributes and share memories.
Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel.