6 days Ago
John Martin Maljanian OBITUARY John Martin Maljanian, 94, of Newington, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at home on Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025. He was born at home in Westboro, MA to Martin and Takoohi Maljanian on December 9, 1930. His brothers Karnig and Mesrob worked alongside their father in the Sanitary Barber Shop while John pursued his Engineering Degree from WPI and later a Masters Degree at UCONN.
After graduating from WPI, John served in the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Richardson, in Anchorage, Alaska from 1953-1955, achieving the rank of Sergeant.
While living in New Britain, John met Roxie Yessian at an Armenian church function, and in April of 1956 they married. They raised their three children, Debra, Susan and John Jr. in Newington while he worked as an Engineer at Chandler Evans until his retirement.
John was a serious, hardworking, honest and dependable man. He took pride in a “job well done” and expected the same from his family and cohorts. John was a family man and most holidays and birthdays were spent in the company of Roxie’s two sisters and their families.
Consequently, the network of love and support from all has continued throughout his rich life. John and Roxie traveled the world and shared their love of their ancestry with their children during trips to Armenia, truly an unforgettable experience. Their traditional marriage was one to be admired, two bright and accomplished people, always supporting the endeavors of each other and committed to family and the Armenian Church Community.
For many years, John served on the Parish Council of the Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection, and could be found at the desk with his head buried in papers. In recent years, he made his way into the sanctuary so he could hear the “speech” of our newest Parish Priest. While he was often perceived as tough, the arrival of grandchildren quickly softened his edges.
He enjoyed giving lawnmower rides, target practice, his fruit trees and tending the garden with Roxie. His eight grandchildren looked forward to the Christmas Map which needed to be deciphered in order to locate the gift. John took great pride in the accomplishments of his grandchildren, frequenting games, performances, graduations and weddings.
Grandpa was a legend to them and they all so admired his conviction and drive to do the right thing and do it well. His children and grandchildren can only hope to continue his legacy. He is survived by his wife, Roxie, his daughter, Debra and her husband Gary Kerr, daughter, Susan Sagherian, son, John Jr.
and his wife Rose Maljanian, grandchildren, John, Ani, and Aram Kerr, Jacob (Cynthia), Michael and James Sagherian, Brianna (Michael) Ritacco, and David (Gabrielle) Maljanian, great grandchildren Joey Ritacco and Zion Sagherian and many beloved nieces and nephews. The family would like to express sincere gratitude to the endless stream of visitors of friends and family that have filled the house with life and love these past years. John looked forward to his connection to the goings on outside his home.
We are especially grateful to Fr. Haroutiun who encouraged Dad to be Christened and came often to visit and give him Holy Communion. We are also appreciative of the caregivers who enabled us to honor Dad’s wish to remain at home with his bride of 69 years.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 11 AM at the Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection in New Britain. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, New Britain. Calling hours will be on Wednesday from 9:30 AM to 11 AM at church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection, 1910 Stanley St., New Britain, CT 06053. Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, New Britain is in charge of arrangements.
Please share a memory of John with the family in the online guestbook at www.ericksonhansen.com Send Flowers Plant a Tree Send a Meal.
