With deep sorrow, the Eastern Diocese mourns the passing of George Maksian: a revered presence in the New York media scene, and an influential—and dearly beloved—figure in the Armenian Church community. George passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, on May 23. He was 94.
For more than four decades—from the late 1940s into the 1990s—George brought great pride to our community as a major columnist for the New York Daily News, at a time when seeing a distinctively Armenian byline in the media was a rare occurrence. His beat was radio and television—in the heyday of those media—and as a columnist for America’s most widely-circulated paper he had a national platform for his incisive, informative, and always witty writing.
In a story George always loved to tell, he had started out at the Daily News as a newspaper copyboy and had worked up through the ranks. Yet unlike many of his peers in journalism, George never lost the enthusiasm of those youthful days, and you could always see (and hear) that boyish quality when you met him. He would often be a guest on radio programs, and his distinctive voice had a classic quality out of the Golden Age of radio: full of youthful exuberance and energy—and “New York” through and through.
With his ever-positive outlook, George Maksian channeled the spirit of his native city at its most exciting and optimistic. But in blazing a trail across the New York media stage, George never forgot his Armenian roots. Indeed, he used his platform and prestige to encourage Armenian artists and fellow media talents. Lucine Amara, Kay Armen, Ara Berberian, Lilli Chookasian, Anita Darian, Michael Kermoyan—these and so many other great artists were not only promoted by George, but were loved by him, and shared enduring friendships with him throughout their lives. He was their champion, and their biggest fan.
When St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral proudly opened its doors in 1968, George became a fixture of its cultural life. He was a respected collaborator of Archbishop Torkom Manoogian and Archbishop Khajag Barsamian during their years as Primate. Most of all, he was one of the earliest figures to envision the great cultural mission that an Armenian Cathedral could undertake in America’s greatest city. His efforts to realize that potential helped to confirm St. Vartan Cathedral as a place of beauty, music, and art for all, which showcased our community at its best.
Among many productions and events, two always stood out fondly in George’s recollections. On was the monumental memorial service for William Saroyan, after the author’s death in 1981, which George conceived and produced. A decade later, in the early 1990s, he produced the innovative “Live at the Diocese” program: a series of live variety shows at the Diocesan Center, featuring great names in Armenian-American performing arts. For the stars of that generation, it was an opportunity to shine again; and for the audience, it was one more occasion to cheer on the people they had loved for so long.
It was during one such “Live at the Diocese” performance that George was surprised to become the center of attention. It happened as the great Kay Armen was commanding the Kavookjian Auditorium stage in a dramatic evening dress and boa, her sultry voice still able to transport listeners to the great era of American popular song. The accompanist struck up the opening bars to “Danny Boy,” which is always an emotionally affecting song. But Kay had tinkered with the famous lyric, and with a sly glance at the audience began to sing, “O Georgie Boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling….” When at the end of the first stanza she sang, “Oh Georgie Boy, oh Georgie Boy, we love you so,” there was not, as they say, a dry eye in the house—least of all from George himself, who ran up to the stage and waited in the wings until he could hug Kay at the end of her song. It was a rare moment when George found himself on the receiving end of thunderous public applause. But what a delight it was for everyone in the audience to show their affection in this way.
Read more about George Maksian’s remarkable life and journalistic career in the obituary that ran in the New York Daily News, and in a charming memorial piece prepared by his family. Both are linked below.
Funeral arrangements will be as follows: A funeral and memorial service will take place St. Thomas Armenian Church of Tenafly, NJ (174 Essex Dr., Tenafly) on Thursday, June 6, at 10 a.m. Interment to follow at Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale, NY.
In-lieu-of-flowers donations may be made to St. Thomas Armenian Church, or to the St. Vartan Cathedral Restoration Project of the Eastern Diocese.
George Maksian is survived by an extended family of nieces and nephews, and a large circle of loved ones, colleagues, friends, and admirers. We pray for their consolation during these days of grief, even as we are assured that George has taken up his place in our Lord’s kingdom. May He receive and bless His gentle servant.
—Christopher H. Zakian
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