Seren A. Hrachian

Hrachian, Seren A.
ATHENS - It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Seren A. Hrachian, age 76, on June 19, 2025. Seren was surrounded by his loved ones, after a year long battle with pancreatic cancer. Seren was predeceased by his son, Peter Hrachian; and his parents, Suren (Joe) Hrachian and Sarah Kenosian Hrachian. He is survived by his wife, Pamela Paulik Hrachian; his sisters, Lucille Kaprielian and Barbara Hrachian; his children, Christa (Kevin) Lukasik and Stephen (Kiley) Hrachian. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Zoey (Jay), Caroline and Kiera Lukasik; as well as one great-granddaughter, Kaia. Seren is also survived by countless cousins, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and a community of dear friends. Born at Brady Maternity Hospital, in Albany, and raised in Guilderland, Seren was always an analytical thinker, and determined to win every endeavor. He is a graduate of Guilderland High School Class of 1967. Seren earned his Bachelor's Degree at the State University of New York at Brockport, and his Master's Degree in Economics at Indiana University. Seren pursued a lifelong career in the field of labor relations. He was committed to the public sector and its workforce. He negotiated labor contracts all over the U.S. on behalf of the Service Employees International Union, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. He then moved to the New York State Governor's Office of Employee Relations (GOER). He first worked in GOER's Research Department before becoming Assistant and then Associate Director negotiating labor contracts with Council 82 and New York Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association. As Associate Director, he also was the State's liaison to the security services labor/management committee. Among his GOER colleagues, Seren was best known as the "social organizer in chief." Whether it be the office softball team ("Go Armadillos!), golf events, office pools and card games, Seren kept all his colleagues going, even after his retirement from GOER.
Seren loved sports as an athlete and a fan. The LA Dodgers, LA Lakers, Indiana Hoosier football and basketball filled his TV schedule (Cleveland Browns intentionally skipped due to late complications). Golf became his sport of choice, playing with good friends and in leagues. He took trips to Myrtle Beach and Florida in the winter to make sure to get his golf in. His Hrach Invitational was a prestigious, invitation-only golf outing, looked forward to by many.
He liked to unwind with a great cigar and a hoppy IPA, especially with company or on the lake in his boat. He loved variety but seemed to favor the Oliva Serie V and Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale. He had a favorite IPA from every US state. Seren enjoyed a variety of music genres and artists, and often could be found in a quiet space, listening to his record albums and creating his mixed cassettes, CDs and playlists. Seren was a talented storyteller who loved to tell stories of the past. His family and friends were amused by Seren's dry sense of humor. He was a welcomed MC at any and all functions, and enjoyed entertaining a crowd. Calling hours will be held on Friday, June 27, from 2 to 4 p.m., at Parker Bros. Memorial Funeral Home, 2013 Broadway, Watervliet, N.Y. 12189. A celebration of Seren's life will be held, 4:30 to 7 p.m., at Philly Bar and Grill, 622 Watervliet Shaker Rd., Latham, N.Y. 12110. All are invited to attend, share stories, and honor Seren's life, in the way he would most enjoy. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the following organizations: Center for Disability Services (cfdsny.org), Hale Family Center for Pancreatic Cancer at Dana Farber (www.dana-farber.org/research/integrative-research/pancreatic-research), or National Multiple Sclerosis Society (www.nationalmssociety.org).