George "Arkie" H. Arakelian

Loudonville - George H. Arakelian, 91, dearly beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to all, died peacefully Monday, November 3, 2025, at Community Hospice - St. Peter's Albany after a brief  illness.

Born in Troy, he was son of the late Armen Arakelian and Alice Garabedian Arakelian and husband for 58  years of his true love Barbara McGovern Arakelian. He was a graduate of Albany Academy 1952 and earned his Bachelor's Degree from Colgate University 1956.

He had resided and worked all his life in Troy. George was President of Standard Manufacturing in Lansingburgh for 68 years, retiring in 2024. Known as “The Jacket Man” he spent years traveling to his 3 factories in Troy, West Virginia and Puerto Rico. He spent his summers in Lake George where he taught water skiing as a teenager. He loved taking boat rides in the Dozi Zoom, always started his day swimming and entertained his friends with “The Gatsby Party” at the historic Trout Pavilion Hotel.

George, known as Arkie, was an avid traveler, and greatly enjoyed annual ski trips to Aspen with his family, his winter getaways to Boca Raton, and his business trips to Puerto Rico. He loved Broadway shows in NYC and often sang along with the music. One of his favorite travel memories was climbing the Matterhorn after graduating from college. He also loved being out in the fresh air. He walked and lifted weights every chance he could. He loved to arm wrestle little kids and always let them win. His tan physique even garnered him the name tarzan. He could always be found reading the newspaper and doing the crossword puzzle with Barbara.

He was a member of The Country Club of Troy, Lake George Club, NY Athletic Club, Troy Savings Bank Board and a communicant of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and Lakeside Chapel. George served in the US Army.

Survivors in addition to his wife include his children, David (Lois) Arakelian, Daren (Tracy) Arakelian, Christian Arakelian and Alison Arakelian and his grandchildren, Michael, Charles, George, Ava and Zsa Zsa. Also survived by his brother in law William P. (Barbara) McGovern, III, and Arakelian & Debejian cousins. He was predeceased by his sister, Dorothy J. King.

George was blessed with several close circles of friends, including his classmates from Albany Academy and Colgate, the Dine Around group, his tennis group, his Wednesday golf buddies, and countless others.  George was a life-long St. Louis Cardinals fan. 

He will be remembered for his kindness, his laughter, and his unwavering love of family and friends. 

Funeral service private at the convenience of the family.

Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery Troy.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of George H. Arakelian to The Community Hospice (Gift Processing Center) 310 S. Manning Blvd. Albany, NY 12208.  We recommend using the brycefuneralhome.com website to share or send condolences or light a candle.

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