HAROOTUIN AND AROSSIAG GARABEDIAN 

Harootuin Garabedian was the son of Garabed and Maro Baronian Garabedian. He was born on November 29, 1892 in Payam, a little village close to Dikranaged, Armenia. Harootuin sensed that there would be trouble with the Turks, and he begged his parents, Garabed and Maro, three brothers, and a sister to join him in journeying to America. His pleas fell on deaf ears, so in 1911, with great misgivings, Haroortuin said farewell to his family. He never saw them again, with the exception of his sister, Sarah, who finally found a home in Kamishly, Syria.

Arossiag Nalbandian was the daughter of Mugerdirtch and Yegnar. She was born in Tepe, a village in Palou on May 21, 1910. She had two brothers, Garabed and Hovaness. During the massacres, the entire family became separated from one another. Arossiag was rescued by her mother, Yegnar, who hid Arossiag in an area surrounded by rocks. Her mother warned Arossiag not to move, and at six years old, Arossiag knew enough to obey her mother's orders. Yegnar disappeared, leaving Arossiag in the hiding place.

Unfortunately, Yegnar was captured by the Turks and placed in an underground room with other Armenian women. After two days of confinement in this room, Yegnar knew she was doomed if she did not act quickly. She had realized that women who were taken out of that underground room by the Turks had never returned, and she surmised their fate. On her third night of capture, Yegnar urinated on the hinges of the trap door, so that the doors would not squeak, alerting the guards. She successfully escaped - naked - to the hiding place where the six year old Arossiag had waited for her mother's return.

Yegnar and Arossiag walked all night until they reached safety. Then, tragically, they were separated for 12 years.

Arossiag went to orphanages in Syria and Marseilles, France where she was united with her brother Hovaness. They communicated with one another through a barbed wire fence. Their rations were onions and bread, and Hovaness lovingly shared his bread with his sister, eating only the onions for his own sustenance. After Hovaness arrived in America, he never ate onions again.

Arossiag Nalbandian arrived at Ellis Island in 1929.

Their lives here ...

Harootuin Garabedian had arrived in this country alone, with no relatives. He lived in Vermont until 1932, when he moved to Providence. Harootuin worked in the maintenance department of Brown and Sharpe Mfg.

Meanwhile, Arossiag's family was united here in the America. This included her first cousin Katchig, who had come to this country under the guise of being Arossiag's brother. From that time on, he was always considered to be a brother.

In 1935 Harootuin Garabedian married Arossiag Nalbandian. They had four children: Homparsum (Charles) whose children are Leslie, Janine, Harry, and Charles; Aram who is married to Jane Bliss, has two children, Gary and Lisa; Lisa’s married surname is Regan. Helen Mikitarian whose children are George, Michael, John, and Irene; and their youngest daughter, Maro, who married Spiro Dionisopoulos, and has a daughter Fotini.

From their family ...

"Your spirit and commitment to uphold your heritage and freedom is our inspiration to serve our community."




 
 
 DICKRON AND BAIDZAR ATAMIAN 

Dickron Atamian, born in Tzet village, Palou, came to Providence in 1912 in order to settle, work, save money and bring a family consisting of parents, wife and children to this country. Although the outbreak of World War I interfered with his plans, it was the Genocide that destroyed his dreams by destroying his family and most of his compatriots.

Baidzar Yeramian was born in the city of Adapazar. Her entire family was deported when that city was ethnically cleansed of the Armenians. She was only a child at this time. While they were temporarily detained in a collection depot outside of Eskisheir, the Yeramian family learned that this would be the last stop before the killing fields. Baidzar and her family escaped during the night. They walked without shoes, food or proper clothing for two weeks through a wilderness terrain before returning to Adapazar.

What greeted them was pure misery. The Armenian Quarter was desolate, devoid of their family, friends and neighbors. They went into hiding once again, fleeing to Istanbul in anonymity. Baidzar came to this country as a picture post card bride and married her benefactor, Dickron.

Their lives here ...

Dickron Atamian married Baidzar Yeramian in 1920 or 1921. They settled in Providence and lived on Whipple Street where their sons Sarkis and Harold (Hmayag) were born. Later they moved to 156 Douglas Avenue to a residence which is just four houses north from this Memorial Park. Stella (Asdghig) was born here, also.

Dickron was determined to make a good life for his family. He worked at odd jobs until he found employment at the Brown and Sharpe's foundry. He worked there until his premature death at the age of 49.

Sarkis, Dickron and Baidzar's son, was a leader among the youth as a member of the Armenian Youth Federation and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation. He published a socio-economic dissertation for his Doctoral Thesis from Brown University entitled "The Armenian Community". He presently resides in Wasilla, Alaska.

From their family ...

"Our parents were hard-working, loving people who were happy and loving. They settled proudly in this little community known as `The Little Armenia of Douglas Avenue'. Our father's proudest day was when he became an American citizen."

Sarkis Atamian

 




 
 REVEREND VACHENAG SISAGIAN 1849 - 1899

The Reverend Vachenag Sisagian was called upon to fulfill a most difficult task; that of providing spiritual guidance, strength, and comfort to his people during a most tumultuous time in Armenian history. He had no parish from which to preach and pray so he sought out his community when and where he could find them. 

So far as can be determined, no one knows how he arrived in this country. What is known is that his work was delegated to him by a priest based in Worcester, Massachusetts and that Reverend Sisagian lived at 40 Winter Street, Providence. 

The Reverend Sisagian is buried at the North Burial Ground in Providence. If anyone wishes to remember this clergyman and the spiritual contribution he made to his people, his stone monument can be found close to what is known as the Armenian section at Ridgeside Avenue and Grass Path. 

  

  

  
BAGDASAR AND MARTHA LEYLEGIAN 

Martha Leylegian and her son Donabed, also known as Donig, were both survivors of the Genocide. Donig was the husband of Sarah, who was the only member of her entire family to escape the Genocide. 

Their lives here ... 

Martha Leylegian and Donabed joined Bagdasar in America in April, 1925. Bagdasar and Martha made their home on Book Court Street, just off Fillmore Street, for one year. After that time, Bagdasar had a house built on Suffolk Street which remains standing today. 

Bagdasar provided for his family by working at the Silver Spring Mills, and Martha maintained a home for their four children. Two children - a daughter and a son - had been born in Havav, Palou, and two children - two sons - were born in this country. 

Sarah Leylegian, wife of Donig, was a devoted member of the Armenian Relief Society. 

From their son ... 

"As the son of Armenian immigrants, I wanted to be the first of the children of Armenian heritage to request a memorial square honoring my parents at the Armenian Heritage Park." 

Joseph Leylegian 

  




  
 KRIKOR O. AND MARGARET NAJARIAN 
 SEROUN 

Krikor O. Najarian and Margaret Karian were married before they arrived in America. They journeyed here with their daughter, Seroun, in 1919. The three of them made their home in Providence, Rhode Island. 

Their lives here ... 

Krikor and Margaret had three children, Seroun Najarian Krikorian, Shake Najarian Kalunian, and John K. Najarian. Krikor learned bakery skills and owned Sally's Pastry Shoppe in the Olneyville section of Providence. He operated it with the aid of his children for many years. 

Their son John distinguished himself as an attorney at law. In 1976 he was named to the Judiciary of the Rhode Island Family Court, an appointment which brought a great sense of joy, pride, and achievement to the family. John remained active in civic and religious endeavors. 

The three children of Krikor and Margaret have given their parents a combined total of ten grandchildren, who have made significant accomplishments in medicine, law and business. 

From their family ... 

"Our parents were devoted to family values above all else. They believed their greatest accomplishment was to raise a happy and healthy family." 

  
  



 SARKIS KOJABASHIAN 
 FUNDO VARADIAN - MIKOYAN 

Sarkis Kojabashian was the son of Garabed and Goulpig Kojabashian and was born on March 25, 1890. He was a native of Palou and was married with two sons, Garabed and Hovanas. During the Genocide, Sarkis lost his wife and two sons. 

Fundo Varadian-Mikoyan was also born in Palou on February 25th, 1909. She was the daughter of Sarkis and Anna Varadian Mikoyan. Fundo's entire family was annihilated at the time of the Genocide, and as a child of only five years old, Fundo managed to survive by finding refuge in orphanages from 1915 to 1927. 

Sarkis and Fundo made their way to America separately. 

Their lives here ... 

Sarkis lived at 250 Jewett Street, and Fundo lived at 88 Camden Avenue. They were married on September 3rd, 1927. Sarkis was thirty-seven years old while Fundo was just eighteen. They made their first home at 443 Chalkstone Avenue. He was a cook, and she was known for her fine embroidery. 

Their family included five children; Charles, Ann, Sarkis, Lily and Rose. Fundo's two uncles, Kachig Varadian and George Mikaelian, remained important people in their lives. 

Charles (Garabed) was graduated from Classical High School, summa cum laude. He continued his studies with academic excellence at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, earning bachelor, master and doctoral degrees in Engineering. He is President of Foster-Miller Associates. He and his wife Shirley live in Hudson, MA, and had three children, Linda, Lisa, and Sarkis, who was named after his grandfather. Linda graduated from Wellesley College, and studied in England and China. She lives in Ireland with her husband Trevor Austen and their son Garath. Lisa graduated from New Mexico University and lives in Franklin, MA with her husband, Andy Paradis and children, Tina and Dylan. Sarkis, his wife Sandy, and children, Kyle and Kirby, live in Stowe, Vt. 

Ann (Anahid) was a graduate from Mt. Pleasant High School and Bryant College. She married Dr. Dan Teodorescu. They made their home in Michigan for 26 years. Their daughter Diane graduated from North Central College in Minnesota and married Brad Kopecky. Their son Dan graduated from Atlantic College in West Palm Beach, Florida. 

Sarkis also graduated from Classical where he was known for his athletic prowess. He was the Rhode Island State and New England Track champion and held records in the pole vault event. He matriculated at the University of Rhode Island, earning bachelor and master's degrees in Education. He was also active in the A.Y.F. Olympics. He and his wife Marie reside in East Greenwich. 

Lily and Rose reside in Rhode Island. Lily was married to Tom Cormier; their daughter Gail attends Rhode Island College. 

From their family ... 

"Our parents were hard working immigrants who started with very little in material goods in this country. They had a strong belief that education was the key to success. They demanded of their children, a wholehearted commitment to education." 

   




  
 SOUKIAS AND TOURVANDA SETIAN 

Soukias Setian was the son of Sarkis and Nourikhan Setian. Sarkis was an architect, builder, landowner, and head of the village of Nerkhi. Soukias married Tourvanda Der Arsenian, daughter of Hovagim and Mariam, who also lived in Nerkhi. In fact, Tourvanda's grandfather, Der Arsen, was a priest who served the community. Soukias and Tourvanda married and had two daughters, Jouhar and Siranoush. 

Because members of the Setian and Der Arsenian families held positions of importance in Nerkhi, the families were targeted for extinction during the Genocide and diaspora years. Soukias had managed to emigate to the United States prior to the inception of the Genocide, but his family who remained in Nerkhi suffered at the hands of the Turks. 

Tourvanda was taken on a death march. Miraculously, she survived and returned to her village to search for her older child, Jouhar, from whom she had been separated for more than one year. The miracle continued when she was able to locate and reunite with Jouhar. Sadly, however, Siranoush, Soukias and Tourvanda's younger child, was dead at age four, having been drowned by the Turks. 

It took years for Soukias to be able to determine that Tourvanda and Jouhar were alive. By letter and payment of monies, Soukias made travel plans for Tourvanda, Jouhar, and any relative who wished, to travel with the security of hired guards from Turkey to Lebanon. 

The family was reunited in Lebanon and journeyed to France, then to Cuba. Soukias left his family once again, returning to the United States to ensure that all his citizenship papers were in order. He did not want any problems to surface in processing the arrival of his family. Finally, this family was reunited in Providence in May, 1925. 

Their history here ... 

Soukias owned and operated a coal, ice and oil business while Tourvanda was a homemaker. He was a staunch supporter of the Dashnag party, consistently contributing money and time to its efforts as well as toward the purchase of a church after the religious division of 1933. To this very day, his photo hangs in his honor in the church hall of St. Vartanantz Church. 

Their daughter Jouhar married Melkon Derderian in June, 1929 and lived on Derry Street. After Soukias died in 1939, Tourvanda made her home with her daughter Jouhar and Melkon. Tourvanda died in January, 1963. 

  

  

  
THE REVEREND YESHISHE AND NEKDAR GASPARIAN 
The Reverend Yeghishe Gasparian was born in Brussa, Turkey in 1892. At an early age he decided to enter the priesthood. That decision led him to the St. James Monastery in Jerusalem, where he studied for four years. He attended Law School in Istanbul, Turkey. 

In 1923 he was ordained a priest in Athens, Greece by Archbishop Mazloomian after serving parishes in Corfu, Greece and Marseilles, France. 

He arrived in America in 1926. The Reverend Gasparian was married to Nekdar Asadourian. 

Their lives here ... 

 From 1939 to 1949 Reverend Gasparian served the faithful in Providence and surrounding communities as pastor of St. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church on Broadway, Providence. 

He and Nekdar became the parents of six children; Russell, Mrs. Vahack Vartanian of Palos Verdes Estates, California, Mrs. John Ohanesian of Huntington Station, Long Island, Mrs. Mardiros Minasian (deceased) of Rockland, Massachusetts, Mrs. Joseph Balkun of Niantic, Connecticut, and Mrs. Allan Higginbotham of Taunton, Massachusetts. Presently, there are 18 grandchildren. 

This family offered many accomplishments to the Armenian and American communities. Most notable for the Rhode Island community has been the efforts of Russell Gasparian, who established the Armenian Radio Hour and has been the voice of the Armenian people. He has disseminated news of social, political and cultural significance for many years to his devoted listeners. As Russell states each Sunday, "Heritage, culture, tradition - wherever Armenian songs are heard, Armenia lives." 

The beauty of the language lives through the efforts of Russell and his daughter, Sonia. 

From their family ... 

"Our parents tried to comfort those whose lives were thrown into turmoil by events beyond their control. We have tried to keep their spirit alive by our commitment to the Armenian Radio Hour." 

  

  

  

 ARDASHES AND LUCY KASPARIAN 

Ardashes Kasparian was born in 1911 in the village of Palou. During the years of the Genocide, while still a toddler, he was separated from his family. His childhood was spent in various orphanages, ending finally in an orphanage in Greece. When he was fifteen years old, a miracle occurred in that he was recognized by a visitor to that orphanage. Ardadshes was reunited in the United States with his father and other family members who had survived. 

Lucy Karadelian was born in the village of Guerun in 1913, and survived the Genocide with her mother and sisters.She and her mother came to the United States in 1929, and settled with her sisters in Providence. 

Their lives here ... 

Ardashes Kasparian and Lucy Karadelian were married in 1936, and had one daughter, Rose Kasparian Atamian, who gave them two grandchildren, one of whom is named Arthur, in honor of his grandfather. 

Ardashes was a very creative and gifted craftsman. He was the owner of Art's Jewelry Company in Providence until he retired. 

Lucy died on September 10, 1977. Ardashes lived to be 84 years old, dying on February 21, 1994.