David Michael Mekalian

David MekalianMay 30, 1954 - January 25, 2016The family of David Mekalian sadly announces his passing on January 25, 2016. He passed from complications of cancer very peacefully on Monday morning.  David was born on May 30, 1954 to the late Edna Symington Mekalian and Michael Mekalian.  David grew up in Indian Orchard, Massachusetts and was a 1972 graduate of Technical High School where he was a member of the band.  David later attended New York University, studying marketing.  David had an eclectic mix of interests including trivia, photography and gourmet food.  His true passion in life, though, was music, whether performing, listening, or collecting.  He particularly loved going to New Orleans to attend Pete Fountain concerts.  They developed a life-long friendship, and David maintained Pete's musical blog.  David performed in many bands over the years, his first being "Wormwood", and most recently a jazz ensemble.  He was an accomplished guitarist, trumpet, and tuba player.  David retired from Applied Software Technologies after a 20 year career as a Senior Systems Engineer.  In this role, his coworkers described him as a mentor, a genius, and one of the best in the business.  David's true love was his family and wonderful friends.  He especially enjoyed taking his sisters and their children on many adventures, including the Bronx Zoo, fishing, trips to the train stations.  Gatherings with family and friends were always special due to David's great story telling, his quick wit and hilarious jokes. David leaves his beloved twin sister and caregiver, Donna M. Koziol, and sisters, Mary Ann Higgins (Ray) and Nancy Quatrone.  In addition he leaves his nephews, Daniel Quatrone and his wife, Kimberlee; Robert Higgins and his wife, Caroline; and Mario Koziol and his partner, Jennifer Jones.  He also leaves his cherished great niece, Claire Higgins and great nephew, Eric David Higgins.  David also leaves his dog, Brady.  David also leaves many close friends, among them Bill Ketchum, Doug Ansuini, and Pat Gottschlicth. Family and friends are invited to calling hours at the Ratell Funeral Home,200 Main Street Indian Orchard, MA on Sunday January 31 from 12Pm to 3PM followed by a Celebration of Life service at 3PM. In lieu of flowers, David requested in honor of his rescue dog, Brady, donations may be made to Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Rescue, Cottage St. Springfield, or to the Sister Mary Caritas Cancer Center at Mercy Hospital in Springfield in respect for his doctor, Dr. Michael Rosen, and his "girls" in the Infusion Center.