Edward A. Mikaelian

Edward A. Mikaelian 1937-2011 INDIAN ORCHARD- Edward "Speed" Mikaelian, 74, a lifelong Indian Orchard resident, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, December 25, 2011 at home surrounded by his family. He was born in Springfield on July 25, 1937, a son of the late Edward and Lillian (Peltier) Mikaelian. Speed was a U.S. Army veteran, obtaining the rank of private first class. He owned and operated The National House, an Indian Orchard institution for 42 years, and had previously owned and operated Ed's Orchard Esso and Ed's Auto Sales in Indian Orchard. Speed was a collector and took pride in his cars and model trains.  He enjoyed music and playing Frank Sinatra on his juke box, shooting pool and visiting friends each year in North Miami Beach, FL. Most importantly, Speed was a very loving and generous father, grandfather and friend. Speed is survived by his three children, Roxanna M. Fredette and her husband Mark of Somers, CT, Sharon A. Mikaelian-Vlk and her husband Jeff of Belchertown, and Mark A. Mikaelian and his wife Julie of Longmeadow; six grandchildren, Nichole, Amanda, Joshua, Michael, Jojo, and Nicky; a sister, June R. Chlosta of Chicopee; his best friend and longtime companion, Marianne "Kelly" Calabrese of Indian Orchard; his former wife, Dianne S. (Sniezyk) Cybulski of Chicopee; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Speed was predeceased by his son, Brian E. Mikaelian in 1993; and a sister, Ruth Ossolinski in 1971. Family and friends are invited to the funeral services to be held on Friday, December 30th beginning at 9:45 a.m. from the Ratell Funeral Home, 200 Main St., with a Liturgy of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, 25 Parker St., with Rites of Committal and burial to follow in St. Aloysius Cemetery, 1273 Berkshire Ave., all in Indian Orchard. Speed's family will receive relatives and friends during calling hours on Thursday, December 29th from 3-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Speed's memory to the Alzheimer's Association, 264 Cottage St., Springfield, MA 01104 or to Mercy Hospice, 1236 Main St., Holyoke, MA 01040. For directions or to leave expressions of condolences, photos or memories, visit Speed's personal webpage at ratellfuneralhome.com. Ratell Funeral Home (413) 543-3836