Rev. Vincent J. Kumjian

Rexford - Rev. Vincent J. Kumjian passed away peacefully on Saturday June 21, 2014 after a brief illness.  He was born on June 4, 1924, in Astoria, Queens, NY and was the only child of Nazareth and Mary Terzian Kumjian. 

He is survived by his beloved wife Mary (Mimi) Kazelian Kumjian of 35 years and also his sons, Lawrence V. (Donna) Kumjian and Claude L. (Debbie) Kumjian. He has two grandsons, Andrew Kumjian and Dr. Matthew Kumjian; a niece, Karen Mardigian (M. Burke) Coleman and their children, Michael B. and Joseph B. Coleman.

Pastor Vincent was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1946 after two-and-one-half years in the Signal Corps having served in France for 21 months. He earned the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal and was recognized by the French Government with the “Order of Lafayette” certificate and medal in 2007 for his part in the liberation of France.

Rev. Kumjian was always very thankful to his loving wife Mary (Mimi) the former Mary Kazelian who helped him with continuous support for over thirty years in the Christian Ministry. They were inseparable. 

During his lifetime he had three career changes as President of Nassau Renewal Parts, Inc. from 1955 to 1971; as an Ordained Minister from 1975 to 1982, and 1996-2010. He served churches in New York State – Prattsville, Lexington and West Kill in the United Methodist Church in the Catskills. He served at the United Armenian Congregational Church as a member of the United Church of Christ from 1975 to 1982; and more recently in the Albany Presbytery of the Presbyterian Churches (U.S.A.) of Lansingburgh and Charlton, NY from 1996-2004. His second “Honorable Retirement” was from the Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

While serving the United Armenian Calvary Congregational Church of Troy, NY in 1975, Rev. Kumjian was designated and served as a multi-lingual interpreter by the U.S. Department of Justice in Albany, NY.

Rev. Kumjian also had a career in real estate from 1982-1995 as President of Northway Realty, Inc. He served as a Director on the Saratoga Board of Realtors and later as Chairman of the Professional Standards Committee.

His life history has many highlights of service to the community including President of Rotary Club of Southold, NY, Chairman of the Narcotics Guidance Council of Tannersville, Hunter, and Prattsville, NY, Chaplain of Oasis Lodge Order of Free Masons, Catskill, NY, Convener of Burnt Hills/Ballston Lake Ministerial Association, Director of the Board of the Council Meadows Senior Housing Authority in Glenville, NY, Administrator of the Charlton Food Pantry, Counseling courses at Samaritan Hospital, Troy, NY and courses regarding “street gangs” and substance abuse victims, etc. at Conifer Park in Burnt Hills, New York. 

For many years he was a dedicated member of the Armenian Men’s Chorus Ensemble and Past Commander of the Knights of Vartan – Davros Lodge.

His formal education is as follows: Attended Fordham University of New York, School of Education and Graduated from SUNY, Albany, NY where he received a B.A. in Religious Studies from Empire State College. He took advanced courses from Boston University School of Theology and graduated from Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C.  He earned two Certificates from the Capital District Psychiatric Center of New York in Pastoral Counseling.

His theme in later life was “laughter is good medicine.” He will be remembered for his leadership, his sense of humor, and of his Sunday sermon “take-home messages.

Relatives and friends may call at the Bryce Funeral Home, Inc.  276 Pawling Avenue Troy on Thursday, June 26, 2014 from 4-7 PM. 

Funeral service will be held Friday at 11 AM at the Loudonville Presbyterian Church 22 Old Niskayuna Road Loudonville with Rev. Elaine Woroby, Pastor, officiating.

Interment will be in  Elmwood Hill Cemetery Troy.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Rev. Vincent Joseph Kumjian to the Armenian Missionary Association of America 31 West Century Road Paramus, NJ 07652 or Loudonville Presbyterian Church 22 Old Niskayuna Road Loudonville, NY 12211. 

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