Asbed "Ozzie" Zakarian

Asbed B. Zakarian, 83, of Highland Beach, FL, formerly of Paxton, MA, son of the late Hapet and Yougaper Zakarian, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2008.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Margaret. In addition to Margaret, Asbed is survived by his sister, Berjoohie Zakarian, Worcester; sister-in-law, Shamiram Jamgochian and her husband Hagop of Bloomfield, CT; niece, Melanie Samsel and husband James of Grafton; nephew, James Jamgochian and wife Marilynn of Milford, CT; niece, Susan Atamian and husband Ed of Shrewsbury; grandchildren, Cristina Feden and husband Jeff; Elizabeth Beck and husband Ray; Lauren Fletcher and husband Eddy; Richard Jamgochian; Ross Atamian; Kirk Atamian; and great-granddaughter, Aubrey Feden.

Asbed was a graduate of Commerce High School and Worcester Junior College, where he received an Associate Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

He enlisted in the US Army and served from 1943-1946 in World War II. He was awarded the Silver Star Medal for Gallantry in Action as well as the Purple Heart for Bravery.

Asbed was a loyal member of the 32nd Degree Shriner, the Worcester Art Museum, Worcester Music, Montacute Masonic Lodge-AF & AM, Worcester County Sheriff's Department, International Wire Association and the Worcester Economic Club.

As an active member of the Armenian community, he received the Saint Nerses Shorhali Medal, the Diocesan Man of the Year Award, and the Saint Gregory Medal and Encyclical, which is the highest honor bestowed upon a lay person. Asbed proudly served as a board member of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America and Saint Nerses Seminary. He was a Diocesan member of the Armenian Church, a life Trustee member of the Armenian Assembly of America, and the Armenian Heritage in Boston. He was a member of the Knights of Vartan and served as commander. He was passionately involved with his Church, The Armenian Church of Our Saviour in Worcester, of which he was a lifelong member. He was baptized, raised and married in the Church. He was a member of the Cultural Center Building Committee, New England Regional Council, Vice-Chairman of the Men's Club and served for 12 years on the Parish Council, 4 of those years as its chairman.

In 1955, Asbed founded Wirefab, Inc. in Worcester, MA. As CEO, "Mr. Z" oversaw the company's development into a major worldwide supplier of wire products.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, listening and dancing to good music, traveling, playing cards and social gatherings with his many friends.

Mr. Zakarian's funeral will be held Tuesday, August 12 at 11:00 AM at the Armenian Church of Our Saviour, 87 Salisbury St., Worcester. His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate will preside. Calling hours are at the Armenian Church of Our Saviour Monday, August 11 between 4:00 and 7:00 PM. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Nordgren Memorial Chapel, Worcester, MA 01605, (508)852-2161.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Armenian Church of Our Saviour, 87 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609.