The Eastern Diocese is deeply saddened by the untimely loss of Deacon David Ohanian, who passed away on June 21. He was 68 years old.
David Hamazasp Ohanian was born in Waukegan, IL, and was a lifelong member of the city’s St. George Armenian Church. His father Clarence was a Genocide survivor, and his mother Alice was the sister of the great opera star Lily Chookazian. David himself had many interests and talents, numerous hobbies and beloved pastimes, which he enthusiastically shared with others. But he had a special passion for the church, to which he devoted the best part of himself with intense dedication.
That spirit led to him to become an ordained deacon. He was a knowledgeable and deeply faithful aid to the clergy who served Waukegan’s community over the last five decades. But in those times when the parish found itself without a permanent priest, it was Dn. David who carried the burden of keeping the church’s weekly services alive to nourish his fellow parishioners. Without fail he would perform the Morning Service each Sunday, the special services during Holy Week—whatever was required to keep the flame of faith burning among the Armenians of his hometown.
He brought his pastoral outreach to the community in other ways, too. He was a friend and confident to all, who was always ready to lend a helping hand, or donate his skills as a repairman, to anyone in need. To young people in the parish he was mentor and guide, who encouraged them to stay involved in the church. Through his participation in larger Diocesan programs, Dn. David’s generous spirit and godly demeanor left a lasting impression on many young people from other locales who were interested in a deeper dedication to the Lord, and service on his altar.
One of those would eventually become our Diocesan Primate. “I first met David over 40 years ago at a Deacons’ Training Program at St. Nersess Seminary,” Bishop Daniel Findikyan recalled. “At my young age and his, I was deeply impressed by his humility, his sense that Jesus Christ was leading his life, and his deep and evident love for our church. Over the years he has made all of these qualities tangible in his loving service to the church as an ordained deacon. His death is a terrible loss to our blessed St. George Armenian Church in Waukegan, where Dn. David was a pillar of faith, family, and love throughout the community.”
Lately, Dn. David had undertaken the task of streaming the parish’s Sunday services during the pandemic lockdown. To begin each broadcast, he would welcome the worshippers viewing from home, read the Scriptures, humbly offer a brief, wise message, then proceed to play the dual role of camera technician and head deacon, assisting Fr. Sahak Kaishian as he celebrated the liturgy. David was visibly pleased during his last online service to be able to announce that the parish had at last reopened to worshippers.
Sadly, only a week later he was taken from us, far before his time, in the aftermath of a tragic cycling accident. David is survived by his wife Teresa; daughters Emilie and Elizabeth; brother-in-law Jerry; nephew Chris and niece Anne; and numerous friends and loved ones. Our prayers go out to them in this time of grief.
Visitation hours for Dn. David Ohanian will be from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, at Peterson and Patch Funeral Home (408 N. Sheridan Rd., Waukegan, IL). A private funeral service will take place afterwards at St. George Church (1015 N. McAree Rd., Waukegan), with a private burial following. A public memorial service will be held on a date to be determined.
Memorial donations may be made to St. George Armenian Church or the Leukemia Research Foundation.
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May our risen Lord bless the soul of his servant, and remember him on the great day of his return.