Bedros P. Karian

Bedros Karian, 96, of Glenmont, the cherished and beloved husband of Violet (née Guleserian) Karian for over 65 years, was called home to the Lord on Christmas morning, Monday, December 25th, 2023 surrounded by his family. Bedros was born January 23rd, 1927 in Aleppo, Syria to the late Hovhaness and Ovsanna (née Sakoian) Karian, survivors of the Armenian Genocide. In his early years, Bedros attended the Gulbenkian School in Aleppo until the age of 13, but due to the catastrophic events of WWII was forced to leave the program early. Despite his limited formal schooling, Bedros was enriched and educated by the teachings of Christ. In his young adulthood, Bedros joined the Armenian Christian Brotherhood, which promoted the outreach to impoverished members of the local community. The Brotherhood allowed Bedros' love and dedication to the Christian faith to flourish. It was also through the church that Bedros met his beautiful bride, Violet, and the young couple was united in marriage on June 13, 1956.

Bedros was a successful jeweler in Aleppo, but with a growing family, Bedros and Violet aspired for a safe and prosperous future for their children and together made the decision to sell his jewelry business and move to the United States in 1965. Bedros remained an integral part of the local Holy Cross Armenian Church in Troy, NY where he was ordained as an archdeacon in 1966 and served in this esteemed role for over 60 years. Together, Bedros and Violet were faithful servants to the Armenian Apostolic Church, with Bedros finding personal fulfillment in giving sermons to the parishioners. A man of great faith, Bedros had read the Holy Bible, new testament, over 90 times in his life, in both the Armenian and English languages.

Bedros was a deeply loved and admired father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and brother, and was highly respected in the local Armenian community. Bedros' greatest joy in life was his family, once stating, "this is what it feels like to be a king," as he contentedly watched his children and grandchildren spend time together at a family party. Bedros is survived by his adoring wife Violet, his five children, Greg (Ayda) Karian, John Karian, Seta (Vahe) Norian, Sonya (Raffe) Moroukian, Sylvia (Arthur) Mahserjian; his fifteen grandchildren, Bedros "Bedig," Sylvie (Emil), Tamar (Troy), Meline (Timothy), Emily (Guillermo), Adam (Amanda), Talene, Stephanie (Hussein), Jacob, Serena (Lou), Raffi, Samantha, Rebecca, Rachael, and Nora, and thirteen great-grandchildren. Bedros especially enjoyed the numerous family gatherings which were graciously hosted by his children over the years, providing quality time for all. A monumental loss of a patriarch, Bedros will be missed by all who knew him, but most especially by his loving family.

Calling hours will be held at Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church, 255 Spring Ave., Troy, on Friday, January 5th, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am. Interment will follow the service in Elmwood Hill Cemetery, Troy.

In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that you please make a donation to: Holy Cross or HIMA Home a non-profit project in Armenia created by his granddaughter that he was so proud of.


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