The Eastern Diocese mourns the loss of Michael Ohanian, accomplished engineer and church benefactor, who passed away peacefully on October 25, 2024, at age 92.
In addition to a distinguished career as an engineer and executive in industry, and serving his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, Michael was a devoted servant of the Armenian Church. He grew up in the Diocese’s old Holy Cross Church of Lawrence, MA, where his service included a long tenure as superintendent of the Sunday School. When that parish consolidated, with Haverhill’s St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, into the Armenian Church at Hye Pointe, Michael and his wife Sonia became leaders and beloved figures in the community.
The Ohanians were generous benefactors of numerous projects in Armenia and in America–often involving educational opportunity and scientific advancement. Their lifetime of generosity to the Armenian Church culminated in the couple accepting the role of main godparents for the successor to the Hye Pointe church, which was consecrated by the hand of Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan this fall, and named the Armenian Church of the Holy Archangels St. Michael and St. Gabriel.
“Now Michael has joined his dear Sonia in our Lord’s eternal embrace,” said Bishop Mesrop, “and their faithful spirits will surely live on in that sanctuary hereafter.”
Michael’s beloved wife of 69 years, Sonia, predeceased him, as did his immigrant parents John and Maritza, and his brothers George and Walter. He is survived by his daughter Debbie from Glendale, CA, and many loving members of the extended family. Our thoughts are with them at this time.
The funeral information is as follows: A wake service will be held on the morning of Friday, November 22, beginning at 9 a.m., at the Armenian Church of the Holy Archangels St. Michael and St. Gabriel (1280 Boston Rd., Haverhill, MA). The funeral service will follow at the church, beginning at 11 a.m.
The family has requested that in-lieu-of-flowers donations be made to Holy Archangels Armenian Church, P.O. Box 8069, Ward Hill, MA 01835. (Please note that checks should be made payable to “Hye Pointe Church.”)
We offer prayers to our risen Lord Jesus Christ, to remember His servant Michael Ohanian and receive him into His eternal kingdom. May He grant consolation to Michael’s loved ones in the days to come.
An obituary notice follows below.
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In Memoriam: Michael Ohanian (1932-2024)
Michael Ohanian, 92, of Pompano Beach FL and formerly Andover, MA, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2024. Mike was a dedicated family man, passionate philanthropist, and accomplished engineer who left an indelible mark on communities in both the United States and Armenia. He was well-known for his commitment to helping others and fostering educational opportunities.
Mike was born in Haverhill, MA, and grew up in Methuen. He is survived by his loving daughter Debbie from Glendale, CA. He was predeceased by his loving wife and best friend of 69 years, Sonia. Also predeceased by his parents John and Maritza (immigrants from Armenia) and two brothers George and Walter. Mike is survived by a loving family of sisters-in-law, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
After graduating from Merrimack College with a BS in Electrical Engineering, he worked at Raytheon for many years. He was known as a pioneer in his field, constantly being promoted to roles of greater responsibility. He also held the position of Vice President at Litton Industries and Martin Marrietta. For the last 15 years of his career he held executive positions of Vice President, eventually being promoted to President of Intermec, a leader in Automatic Identification in Seattle, WA area. Mike was also an avid reader always interested in current events.
Mike lived a full life of service to others. He was a U.S. Army veteran servicing during the Korean War (1952-1954). He also served on many boards both corporate and philanthropic. He was well known to be very handy and able to fix anything. Fixing and improving things was his hobby and pleasure. Family and friends all benefited from Mike’s help. He showed up with his tools and went to work.
Mike was very passionate about education and lifelong learning. He served on the board for his alma mater, Merrimack College, for many years. He also led the establishment of Automatic Identification Data Capture Laboratory at two Armenian Universities, State Engineering University of Armenia and Russian American University. Mike led this effort by providing equipment, software and training for both faculty and students.
Mike also was very giving to the less fortunate in Armenia. He provided funding for improvements to an orphanage in Dilijan including the building of a barn for food supplies and the remodeling of children dormitories.
Mike was a life-long advocate for the Armenian Church. Early on serving as Superintendent of Sunday School at Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church, Lawrence, MA (late 1970s). He later led maintenance and improvement efforts at both the Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church, and St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church. Mike also served as godfather to St. Mary’s Armenian Church in Cooper City, FL.
Together with his wife Sonia, they became the main godparents of the Armenian Church at Hye Pointe. Thanks to their efforts the church was recently consecrated as the Armenian Church of the Holy Archangels St. Michael and St. Gabriel. Both Mike and Sonia were honored to serve the church in this way, and their loved ones are proud of the impressive legacy they leave behind.