In Memoriam: Sarkis Bedevian

Washington, D.C. - The Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) mourns the loss of Assembly Trustee Sarkis Bedevian, who was a benefactor deeply committed to the advancement of the Armenian people in the homeland and in the Diaspora.

"Sarkis was an exemplary man who genuinely cared about others and always strived to help Armenians and strengthen our organizations and institutions," said Assembly Co-Chairs Van Krikorian and Anthony Barsamian. "We are saddened by the news of his passing, but know that his legacy will indeed carry on through his family and the many projects he funded across the globe. No matter where one met Sarkis, a smile was sure to follow, and that will always be warmly remembered."

Born in 1936 in Jerusalem's Armenian Quarter to Armenian Genocide survivor parents, Sarkis attended Holy Translators School before immigrating to the United States in 1959, where he continued his education in finance and accounting at New York University, afterwards pursuing a career in real estate.

As he succeeded in his professional endeavors, he supported, - alongside his dedicated wife Ruth - the Armenian community, from churches to schools. He held leadership positions within the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), Armenian Church Endowment Fund, St. Nersess Seminary, Committee of Friends of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, his home parish of St. Leon Church in Fair Lawn, NJ, and Hovnanian School.

When Armenia achieved independence, Sarkis and Ruth wholeheartedly supported the construction of the St. Gregory of Narek Cathedral in Vanadzor, as well as an adjacent youth center, and a school in Gyumri.

In appreciation of his philanthropic efforts, Sarkis was the recipient of many awards, including the St. Gregory the Illuminator First Order and St. Nersess Shnorhali medals, bestowed upon by the Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, as well as the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

Sarkis is survived by his wife, Ruth, their children, Peter, Deborah, and Peggy, and their grandchildren Gregory, David, Matthew, and the late Ruby Alice.

Services will be held on Friday, January 17, and Saturday, January 18 at St. Leon Armenian Church in Fair Lawn, NJ.

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is strictly a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt

membership organization.

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