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Arakel Arakelian Obituary
Owner of Aunt Mary's
WHITINSVILLE - Arakel (Arco) Arakelian, 90, passed away on Sunday, September 1st 2013. He was born March 8, 1923 in Whitinsville and was the only son of nine children born to the late Hagop and Mary (Ohanian) Arakelian. He leaves 2 sisters, Nancy and her husband George Gigarjian and Carol Tosoonian, of Whitinsville. He also leaves 15 nieces and nephews, and many great nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by 6 sisters, Aznive Arakelian, Anna Palulian, Varsenig Papazian, Asadouhi Goshgarian, Verkin Arakelian, Katherine (Katchy) Iobst and 3 nephews.
Arco graduated from Northbridge High school in 1941 where he played football. He also held the pole vaulting record for many years in the olympics of the Armenian Youth Federation. After graduating he worked in the Whitin Machine Works then joined the Army Air Corps in 1943. He was a navigator on a B17 and flew 28 missions over Germany. In 1946 he left the service with an honorable discharge and received many medals. When he returned to Whitinsville he went into the fruit business with his father delivering door to door in town. A short time later his family opened Aunt Mary's Restaurant in 1947 and he became the cook there and years later was the sole owner. He was known for his famous fried chicken dinner and fish and chips and over the past 65years has served many generations of families, whether at their weddings, anniversaries or just a nightly dinner. Arco was a humble, quiet man who did his job and never asked anyone for help. He worked with his two sisters as they ran the restaurant until each was well into their 80's. When his sisters passed away that didn't stop Arco. He still opened, cooked, served (food and bar), and did what he could to keep going until he was 87. He then retired.
Arco enjoyed a good card game, whether with friends at the end of the bar or solitaire to pass the time. He also loved the horse races and probably followed every race around the country. He especially enjoyed spending time with his best friend Jimmy.
Calling hours are Wednesday, September 4th from 5-7 p.m at Carr Funeral Home, 24 Hill St., Whitinsville. His funeral will be held Thursday, September 5th at 11 a.m at the Armenian Apostolic Church in Whitinsville with burial at Pine Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church, 315 Church St, Whitinsville, MA 01588. To leave an online condolence, please visit
www.carrfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Arakel Arakelian
Patricia Greenwood Cronin
September 6, 2013
I can still see Arco at the end of the bar playing cards. My date and I would walk in late at night. I would ask if the kitchen was still open. He knew I wanted a late night cheeseburger and he always made one for me. I never forgot that. He was a dear sweet man.
Donna Canesi
September 5, 2013
My condolences to your family. I will always remember how much I enjoyed my visits to Aunt Mary's, both the food and the people. And more importantly, thank you Arco for your service to our country, it ran in the family and is well appreciated.
James Pye
September 4, 2013
We salute your veteran. Our condolences for your loss and gratitude for your loved one's service to our country.
G.R. Beauchamp
September 3, 2013
Arco cooked-up a great recipe for life...service to all! Remembering a gentle man.
Kenneth Reilly
September 3, 2013
Dear Nancy & George, my condolences on the passing of Arco. End of an Era is an understatement.
September 3, 2013
Arco,the many our pathes crossed,you always seemed glad to see me.To you sir,the pleasure was all mine. JK
patty mcdonald
September 3, 2013
May you RIP Uncle Arco. Now you've joined Verkin&Katchy...back to business! Love, Patty and Doug
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