Armen Tashjian

Armen Tashjian, 101, of East Longmeadow passed away peacefully on Sunday morning of a brief illness of seven short days. Armen was born in Springfield, a son of the late Eghishe & Anna (Surabian) Tashjian, proud Armenian immigrants. He worked briefly for the Springfield Armory before enlisting in the US Army during World War II. After returning home, he met and married Shirley Samay and they enjoyed 57 years of love, happiness and memories. Armen worked as a professional commercial photographer working for Milton Bradley and Hampden Engineering for many years. He was an avid photographer and countless subjects including his garden and kids were his favorite. Armen was proud of his Armenian heritage and was a lifelong communicant of St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church in Indian Orchard. He volunteered his time tirelessly for the church in any way he could, playing the organ and piano for many events, helping with church dinners, the Fall festival, cooking alongside his wife Shirley and the annual Christmas party. He loved being around people and always had a smile on his face. Armen’s beloved wife, Shirley passed away in 2015 and his dear brother Haig Tashjian in 2022. Armen leaves his sister Nancy (Ted) Sellarole and his longtime neighbors and dear friends Sharon Dandy and his “grandson” Colin Dandy. He also leaves many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. CALLING HOURS WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2023 FROM 11:00 TO 12:00 P.M. IN ST. GREGORY’S ARMENIAN CHURCH, 1325 GOODWIN ST., INDIAN ORCHARD. THERE WILL BE A MASS AT 12:00 NOON FOLLOWED BY BURIAL IN HILLCREST PARK CEMETERY, PARKER ST., SPFLD., MA. Donations may be made to St. Gregory’s Armenian Church, 135 Goodwin St., I.O., MA. 01151.