John C Kacharian

John C. Kacharian, 88

West Sand Lake - John C. Kacharian, 88, formerly of Cobb Hill Road died Monday, August 27, 2012, at Eddy Village Green in Cohoes, after a long illness.

John was born in Troy to Armenian parents that fled from the genocide in Armenia to start a new life here in America. He also had an older sister, Margaret, that he was very close to His father owned a small grocery shop next to RPI and the family lived upstairs above the store. Several of John's mother's siblings also lived in the area and all the cousins were very close. John was particularly fond of his cousin Bob who still resides in the area with his wife Trudy. John graduated from Troy High School and dreamed of going to college. He was able to realize his dream and graduated from RPI with several engineering degrees. He was talented in architectural engineering and designed and built his own dream home that is located in West Sand Lake.

John was married for 40+ years to Halina who died in 2005 at Eddy Ford Nursing Home from liver cancer. They had a very happy marriage and life together. John and his wife Halina never had any children of their own but they took an active interest in Bob's 2 daughters, Diana and Debbie as they grew up.

John worked for 30+ years at the Watervliet Arsenal as the Facilities Manager and Director of grounds. He was a history buff and after extensive research created the Bene't Laboratories Museum located at the Arsenal. He documented his research in a book about the Arsenal. John very much enjoys flowers and the beauty of outdoors.

He was a member of resident historian and a founder of the Watervliet Arsenal Museum and was credited with obtaining many of the valuable historic weapons and artifacts. He was a nationally recognized authority on flag protocol and has written many articles and periodicals pertaining to proper procedures for handling, displaying and caring for flags. He also published; "Watervliet Arsenal, Yesterday, Today, A Pictorial History," "History of Quarters No. One", co-edited, "Rensselaer County Heros 1950-1953: The Forgotten Remembered (The Korean War)," and was co-editor of the St. Peter Armenian Church 100th anniversary history book. John also received several prestigious awards including the DAR Medal of History, Community Service Pin, two community service certificates, The Flag of the United States of America Committee Certificate, US Marine Corps Certificate of Appreciation, Sons of the American Revolution Certificate of Commendation, was Uncle Sam Citizen of the Year and led the 37th annual Flag Day Parade in Troy in 2004.

John was an avid tennis player and would never miss a tennis tournament on television! He was part of a local group that would play matches at the courts at the Averill Park High School.

The Armenian church was also a very important part of John's life and he was a member of St. Peter's Apostolic Church in Latham, New York. He never missed going to church on Sundays and was appointed as the church engineer. He participated in the design and building phases of this church and assumed the responsibility for keeping the structure and grounds in tip top shape. Interestingly enough his wife was a devout Catholic and never missed a Sunday of worship in her own church either.

John's interest in history led him to be the coordinator of the first and many other Flag Day parades in Troy. He was very proud of his country and understood the sacrifices symbolized by the flag. John did enlist in the armed services.

He was passionate about freedom as he understood from his mother and her family the torture and pain associated with religious persecution.

Survivors include several cousins, Robert and Gertrude Nazarian and Mary Nazarian and David F. Quinones. He was predeceased by a sister, Margaret Moutray.

Relatives and friends may call at the St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church 100 Troy-Schenectady Road Watervliet on Thursday from 9:30-11 AM with a funeral service at 11 AM with Rev. Stepanos Doudoukjian, Pastor, officiating.

Interment will be in Elmwood Hill Cemetery Troy.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of John Kacharian to the St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church PO Box 196 Watervliet, NY 12189.

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