Melkon Varadian

VARADIAN, MELKON KHACHIG, "MAL", 88, passed away suddenly on his way home from Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church on Sunday morning, August 5, 2012. He was born in Providence, RI, the son of the late Sarkis and Ramela Varadian from Palou, Armenia. He was the husband of 61 years to the late Isabelle "Zabel" Shiranian Varadian. He is predeceased by his three brothers Varad, Haig and John "Jay" Varadian. He is survived by his cherished family members: his sister Maro Varadian Kachadoorian; his three children, Michael and his wife Armenie, Sandra Megerdichian and her husband Megerdich, and Malcolm and his wife Kristen; his seven grandchildren, Nick, Siran and her husband Keith, Armen and his wife Nicole, Sarah, Antranig and his wife Melineh, Melkon, and Ani; and his four great grandchildren, Emily, Nicholas, Carl and Rosabelle. After serving in the Army in World War II in Europe, Mal and Zabel operated Public Street Market in South Providence, a community they served for over forty years until their retirement, where many of the city's community, ethnic and political leaders gathered for sound advice and reminders of their roots. The Armenian community was an important aspect of Mal's life. Upon his return from the war, he participated in the construction of Camp Haiastan, an Armenian youth camp in Franklin, MA. Mal also served as a Board of Trustees member and National Representative Assembly delegate of the Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church in Providence, RI. Mal was an Olympic King and National Honorary Member of the Armenian Youth Federation of America, a founder of its national Junior organization, and a member and leader of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation and Armenian National Committee of America. He was also a founding member of the Armenian Martyrs' Memorial Monument Committee, whose monument to the victims of the 1915 Armenian Genocide stands at the entrance to the North Burial Grounds in Providence. In his retirement, Mal continued to serve family, friends and Church with his beloved group in the kitchen at Sts. Vartanantz Church. His funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 9th at 11:00 AM at Sts. Vartanantz Church at 402 Broadway in Providence with burial with Military Honors to follow at the North Burial Grounds in Providence. VISTING HOURS: Wednesday, 4-8:00 PM at Sts. Vartanantz Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: AYF Camp Haiastan, PO Box C, Franklin, MA 02038; or The Armenian Martyrs' Memorial Committee of RI PO Box 28549, Providence, RI 02908; or Sts. Vartanantz Church Endowment Fund, 402 Broadway, Providence, RI 02909. Arrangements are with Russell J. Boyle and Son Funeral Homes. Visit boyleandsonfunderalhome.com for online condolences.