William Kasparian

William (Bill) Kasparian was born on September 15, 1935 in New York City, the middle son of Armenian immigrants. He grew up in The Bronx with his two brothers and his parents along with an extended family that included numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Growing up, Bill was expected to become a photo engraver following in the footsteps of his father and several uncles. He learned the trade after school and on weekends. While he appreciated the technical skill and hands-on work, he decided that he did not want to be a photo engraver. As a teenager, Bill chose to attend a culinary high school which fed his creative side. His culinary skills came in handy after he enlisted in the U.S. Army. When stationed in Korea, he was routinely assigned Kitchen Patrol "KP" duty and he didn't hate it.
Upon his return from Korea and his subsequent courtship of Vartig "Rose" Kalajian, they married in September 1959. Bill identified his professional field of choice and became a hairstylist.
Whether living in NYC, Boston, Poughkeepsie, Fort Lee, Landing, or Denville, Rose and Bill built their life together. They had two children, Kim and Christian. Supported by Rose, and with help from an uncle, he went into his own business in 1968. Thus the birth of "Salon 68" on Lakeside Boulevard in Landing, NJ. Every employee and client of the salon was treated like a member of the family. Bill maintained very special relationships with so many.
One of the most important relationships he had was with God and the Armenian Church, in particular St. Mary Armenian Church in Livingston, NJ. Bill and Rose joined St. Mary in the mid-70's and never looked back. He volunteered and attended many picnics, food festivals, and dances, and fundraisers through the years. For many years, while Rose was singing in the choir loft, Bill could be found on Sunday mornings on the left side of the church, initially toward the back, but in later years, he moved toward the front. That alone spoke volumes.
Bill leaves behind his wife of 65 years Rose, his son Christian, daughter Kim, son-in-law Bob, and grandchildren Elena, her husband Jay, Valerie, Alec, and Alexis. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Barbara Kasbarian, Francis Kasbarian, and Araksie Tashjian, as well as many nieces and nephews. Bill is predeceased by his mother Marie, father Soukias, brothers Jimmy and Freddy, in-laws Alice and Paul Kalajian, brother-in-law Aetna, and his beloved
daughter-in-law Janice.