Sargis Aram Kossayian

Sargis Aram Kossayian, known as Jack, was born May 30, 1929, in New Britain, Connecticut, the son of the late Aram and Yester (Nakkashian) Kossayian. As the son of Armenian Genocide survivors, he was very proud of his Armenian heritage. He researched his family tree genealogy throughout his life, connecting with many relatives around the world. He enjoyed meeting Armenians during his life with whom he could share the language, foods, and rich cultural history of all things Armenian. Growing up, he became a Sea Scout, achieving crew leader on the SSS Challenger and reaching Star Scout in the Boy Scouts. Graduating from New Britain High School in 1947, he went on to the of Pennsylvania to earn a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering in 1951. After graduation, he joined the Navy team at the Naval Air Material Center in Philadelphia as an Aeronautical and Research Engineer. In 1957, he transferred to the Naval Air Propulsion Center in Trenton, NJ, as the supervisor of the Scientific Measurement Division, Engineering Group, of the Aeronautical Turbine Laboratory, and later as the supervisor of the Data Acquisition and Reduction Instrumentation and Engineering Installation and Design Division. In 1971, he became the first head of the Measurement and Information Systems Department, where his work helped form the basis on which today's computer systems were built. He became Director of Operations at NAPC in 1981, earning the Department of the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service and Superior Civilian Service Awards, and retired in 1985. Jack met the love of his life, Christine Hanessian, in Asbury Park, NJ, and they married in 1955 in Chevy Chase, MD. During their 70 years of marriage, they raised two children, Stephen and Carol, first living in Hamilton Square, NJ, and moving to Washington Crossing, PA, where they lived for over 50 years, eventually moving to Milton, DE, to the home of their daughter and son-in-law for their final years. They enjoyed traveling around the world and the U.S. They shared a love of music, frequently going to concerts. Jack sang in school, community, and church choirs throughout his life. Most of all, they loved spending time with family. Jack's hobbies included his model O gauge trains, gardening, building model boats, woodworking, and fishing. Jack is survived by his son Stephen Kossayian (Audrey), Cedar Rapids, IA; daughter Carol Kossayian (David Santoni), Milton, DE; grandson Jarret Tanner, Glenside, PA; grandson Ethan Tanner, Hershey, PA; grandson Robert Kossayian (Vicky), San Jose, CA; grandson Timothy Kossayian, Waterloo, IA; granddaughter Emma Kossley (Braxton), Waterloo, IA; granddaughter Amanda Bolig (Josh), State College, PA; and four beloved great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Christine, his sister Margaret Kuyumjian, and his parents. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions can be made to the Armenian Missionary Association of America, 31 West Century Rd., Paramus, NJ 07652, https://www.amaa.org. Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.