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BORN
1943
DIED
2025
Richard Melikian Obituary
1943 - 2025
Richard H. "Dick" Melikian, 81, passed away on March 12, 2025, after a protracted battle with Alzheimer's. He was born in Springfield, MA, the son of the late Harry and Rose (Tavitian) Melikian. He was predeceased by his older sister Alice Melikian and his brother Serop ("Satch") Melikian. He is survived by his brother Harry Sarkis and his wife Kathleen Melikian, formerly of Springfield and Boston and Currently in Wilmington, NC, his nephew and godson, Mark S. Melikian, great nephews Nicholas, Victor and Markie, great niece Madison, several great-great nieces and nephews all in the Springfield area, as well as several cousins in MA, as well as in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Dick attended public schools in Springfield, graduating from the Technical High School in 1961. A highly accomplished musician, specifically in woodwind, stringed and keyboard instruments, most prominently tenor saxophone, he toured the country in that capacity upon graduation from 1961 until January 1961 until January 1966, when he returned home to Springfield.
He served a two-year stint in the United States Marine Corp, (USMC) including serving his country in a one-year tour of duty in Vietnam, where he was also a member of the prestigious Marine Corp Band, and was honorably discharged in February 1968.
Upon returning from Vietnam, he attended Westfield State College, where he earned both undergraduate and master's degree in education, as well as several certificates of advanced graduate studies. He returned to Alma Mater, Technical High School, where he served for 25 years as both a music teacher and guidance counselor, and was greatly appreciated and respected by his students.
Richard, or Dick as he was known to his relatives and his many friends, was extremely active in Local 171 of the Musician's Union, serving with distinction in a voluntary executive position for nearly 35 years, retiring in that position in 2018.
Dick was a member of St. Mark Armenian Apostolic Church, 2427 Wilbraham Rd., Springfield MA 01129. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in his memory may be made in his honor to his church. There will be no calling hours and burial services will be private.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Melikian
Sponsored by The Family.
Donald F Carter Jr
April 16, 2025
Mr. Richard Melikian was one of my best teachers .
He allowed us a voice in the band. I played Bass. I presented Earth, Wind, & Fire material. My cousin presented George Benson materials, my brother Mike for horns presented Chuck Mangione & Manard Fergusen material.
I'm gonna miss my teacher. I love that man, he was a good and knowledgeable music teacher & friend.
RIP Mr. Melikian
In Lord Jesus Name
Janice Miller
April 13, 2025
The best music teacher and home room teacher ever! May you walk with the angels. Your job is done here thy good and Faith servant. May God bless you and keep you for eternity. Class of '79 Tech High
Bill Fiore
March 18, 2025
Dick was my colleague and client but most importantly, he was a dear friend and mentor. I had the privilege of working closely with him in the Springfield Public School's Parent Information Center. His common sense approach to issues and keen insights were appreciated by all. My sincere condolences to his entire family. RIP Dick.
Mike & Kris Fuclos
March 17, 2025
We are so sad to hear that Dick has passed away. As a great friend of my cousin, Carl Cicchetti we got to spend lots of time with Dick when Carl visited from CA. We will miss our yearly get togethers, Dick. Please rest in peace....
George Baker
March 17, 2025
My deepest heartfelt condolences to the Melikian family. Dick was a very special friend, mentor and incredibly giving person. He was incredibly talented musician, teacher, counselor and passionate about everything he was involved with. I first met Dick as a student at Westfield State playing in the big band. It was there that Dick taught me the intricacies of improvisation that I still use to this day and pass on to my students. In a way, his legacy carries on to this day. If it wasn´t for Dick `holding me back´...literally with another Marine I probably would not have graduated. I could go on on about the musical adventures of many years but will suffice to say thank you for everything.
Howard Allan Doty
March 17, 2025
I met Dick one night in the mid 1960's when I was playing Bass with a pianist named Tony Chris. We were working in a club in the South end of Springfield. Dick came in and listened to us play. On our brake he introduced himself to me and mentioned another well known musician in the area, Ronnie Drumm was looking for a new bass player. I auditioned for Ronnie and he hired me - This was the beginning of a 20 or so year opportunity for me playing for Ronnie and the many bookings he had. Ronnie was the premier booking agent for The Ice Capades, Holiday on Ice - Storrowton Summer Theater, Ringling Bros. Circus and many more opportunities for musicians. Dick eventually took over these venues when Ronnie left the area to work on the road for the Ringling Bros . Dick Melikian was a most accomplished musician, had a keen sense of business ethics. He was and all around 200% person to know and work for -the very best . I will always be great full to Dick for giving me the opportunity to become a part of the professional music scene it this area. TO his family and all fellow musicians he worked with, we will have many good lasting memories of this extraordinary man. I could go on forever about this good man but let me close with my deepest sympathy to all who knew him ,Family teachers, musicians et al May his soul rest in the eternal light ,peace and Glory of God and grant us peace to accept that which we cannot change. Amen
Cynthia Starzyk
March 16, 2025
Will miss you Dick driving in Springfield and Chicopee. Rest in peace!
David Choquette
March 15, 2025
I first met Dick back in 1973 while I was a student at Tech. As a fledgling musician, I came under the baton of Mr. Melikian as he assumed the conducting position for the Swingsters and the Tech High school show Tech Tantrums. Not only did I have a front row seat to his enjoyment of music and education, but I was introduced to his larger-than-life personality in getting to know you as a person and helping you to become your best self. He was someone who was influential in my growth as a musician then and now.
As the years passed, I would run into Dick on occasion, and we would catch up a bit. He was always interested in what I was doing musically. He would always encourage me to keep doing what I liked and to enjoy life to its fullest!
As others have mentioned, it is rare to get to know someone with this caliber of humanity. He has impacted many lives in a positive manner and will continue to live on in all those that he has touched - including me. He will be missed.
My condolences to the Melikian family.
kathy kroll
March 15, 2025
He was a great colleague and friend at Technical High School.
Enrique Figueredo "Henry"
March 15, 2025
Mark and Family,
My sincere condolences to you and all of the Melikian family.
I had the wonderful opportunity to work with him at Technical H.S. and a few years later at the Parent Information Center, all part of the Springfield Public Schools.
Dick was not only a wonderful teacher, co-worker and musician, but also a fun and efficient person to be around. He got things done.
He was sensitive to students and family's needs, but firm when the situation called for it.
Dick, along with the rest of the staff at PIC, made a challenging job enjoyable, day in and day out.
Thank you for all you did for me and all of your co-workers and musicians, may you rest in peace, my friend.
Henry
Dave Cruise
March 15, 2025
Mark and family. My condolences on the loss of your uncle Dick. He was a great SPS colleague, and I know how much he loved coming to Dayton Street to see you and visit with Satch and Gail. Rest in peace good friend.
Da
Dick Bryskiewicz
March 14, 2025
Over 70+ years... It just got better and better! I won't miss you... because you'll always be with me with every breath I take...
Lori
March 14, 2025
Salvatore Anzalotti
March 14, 2025
To the Melikian Family ~
I worked with Dick in Springfield Public Schools at the Parent Information Center. He was an exceptional administrator who cared deeply for his students and colleagues.
Dick was very kind and helpful to me during my tenure at PIC. We had some convivial times and Dick was always at the top with his wit. Dick was in a class by himself.
It is not often someone comes along who is a true friend. I will not forget his mentorship or friendship.
How lucky I am to have known someone that makes saying goodbye so difficult.
With Understanding Sympathy ~
Sal Anzalotti
Robert M. Finkel
March 14, 2025
I am saddened to learn of Dick's passing; and heartbroken to hear that he struggled with the hellacious beast Alzheimer's. Dick loved Tech and he committed his whole self to the faculty, students and staff. He taught us to bring music (not just literally, but also spiritually) to every opportunity and challenge. I am a very happy to have been part of the Tech Dick helped build for me and my classmates.
May his memory forever be for a blessing.
Robert M. Finkel.
Mike Williams
March 14, 2025
Dear Mark and the entire family please accept my heartfelt condolences on Dick´s passing. We spent many fun days and after school´s activities as teachers together at Tech High. Not only a great teacher and musician Dick was always at the top of the list as an organizer of the many Tech High teacher reunions! Mark know that you´ll have a fabulous angel to watch over from above!
Michael Jonnes
March 14, 2025
As the Executive Director of the SSO from 1998 through 2013, I had the great pleasure of getting to know Dick, both as a formidable labor negotiator and as a good friend. Over a glass of fine scotch, he would bring forth so many stories of Springfield, the orchestra and his own musical experiences.
I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing, but I know that he led a full and happy life.
With my condolences to his family,
Michael Jonnes
Lynn and Mike Sussman
March 14, 2025
I have been a long-time member of the Springfield Symphony, as well as my husband who is recently retired. We have always appreciated Dick's excellent work and commitment to the SSO. I (Lynn) got to know him especially well as a friend, union colleague, and mentor during my 12 years as union steward and orchestra committee chair, having worked together on 4 negotiations. He worked tirelessly for the symphony - and was fun to hang out with! We had many great conversations. We are so very sorry to hear of his passing and for your loss. I am grateful to have been able to visit him at the nursing home. We will truly miss his presence as a friend, musician, and union representative.
Maura (Hoare) Cullen
March 14, 2025
Harry- so sorry to hear of your dear brother's passing. Such a talented man. A life well lived and a brother well loved.
Carol A Rickless
March 14, 2025
Dick was a great supporter of the musical arts and the people making the music in the Springfield area. His efforts taught and created enjoyment of music for generations.
Jim Maiolo
March 14, 2025
Sorry to hear of Dick´s passing. He was great friend at tech and served with him on Reunion committee. Rest in Peace. Jim Maiolo
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