Joseph A. Terzian

JOSEPH A. TERZIAN 1925 - 2008   WEST SPRINGFIELD - Joseph A. "Joe" Terzian, 83, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at Baystate Medical Center on Thursday, October 9.  He was born in Marseilles, France on June 22, 1925, the son of the late Mihran Terzian and Vartanouch (Andonian) Terzian Derderian.  He came to this country at fifteen years of age with his widowed mother and worked at the former Chapman Valve as a time clerk, and utilized his skills in the French language in communicating with his co-workers.  He later went to school to become a barber and was the former owner for over forty years of the Gateway Barbershop in Springfield.  He was a former Indian Orchard resident and twenty year West Springfield resident.  Joe will always be remembered as a hard working man with a strong love of his family and grandchildren.  Joe was also extremely proud of his Armenian Heritage.  He spent much of his life learning and passing down the traditions, history and values of the Armenian people to his family.  He was the husband of the late Rose A. (Arakelian) Terzian who passed away on December 25, 1997.  He is survived by two daughters, Rose Terzian of West Springfield, and Marie Langevin and her husband Tom of Wilbraham.  He will be sadly missed by his three grandchildren, Christina, Sharon-Ann, and Jennifer.  In addition to his immediate family Joe also leaves many nieces, nephews, and family friends.  He was predeceased by his stepfather, Aharon Derderian in 1988.  Funeral services are Tuesday, October 14 at 9am from the Ratell Funeral Home, 200 Main St. in Indian Orchard, followed by a funeral service at 10am at St. Gregory Armenian Church.  Calling hours at the funeral home are on Monday, October 13 from 4 - 8pm with a wake service at 7pm.  Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Gregory Armenian Church, 135 Goodwin St. Springfield, MA 01151.