Hagop Janessian (1942-2016)

Hagop Janessian, M.D., of Watertown, Mass., passed away on April 2. Janessian was born in Tel Abyad, Syria, on Dec. 22, 1942. He was the eldest son of Sarkis and Makrouhi Janessian. He had two brothers—Kevork and Hovannes—and two sisters—Arpine and Lousin. His younger brother, Krikor Zohrab, passed away at a young age.

Janessian attended the Khorenian School in Tel Abyad; when his family relocated to Aleppo when he was eight years old, he continued his education at the Zavarian School, and later at the Karen Jeppe Armenian School. He pursued his medical education at the Heidelberg University in Germany, specializing in Cardiology, and worked in various German hospitals until 1976. Returning to Aleppo, he opened his own medical clinic, while also working at public and private hospitals.

Janessian married Seta Donigian on April 22, 1979. They had two children, Sarkis and Maria.

In 1998, Janessian moved to the U.S. with his family, hoping to offer his children a brighter future. One of the happiest moments of his life was the wedding of his daughter Maria to Levon Shahnazarian; another joy in his life arrived in the form of his grandson, Vahan.

Janessian became involved in Homenetmen at a young age. He also entered the ranks of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) in his youth, remaining a loyal member until his death. In Aleppo, he held various positions in the Armenian Prelacy, and was a member of the executive board of the Karen Jeppe Armenian School. Once a week, he would volunteer by offering routine checkups to the students. He was also instrumental in the planning and execution of building the Aram Manougian Armenian Community Center of Aleppo.

He left behind his beloved wife Seta (Donigian) Janessian; children Sarkis Janessian and Maria Janessian (husband Levon Melik-Shahnazarian); grandson Vahan; sisters Arpine Pakhanian and Lousine Hayrebedian; and brothers Kevork Janessian (wife Sossi), and Hovanness Janessian (wife Ani). He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held at St. Stephen’s Armenian Church, 38 Elton Ave. in Watertown on Thurs., April 7 at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.

At the request of the family, there are no visiting hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Stephen’s Armenian Church or the ARS Syrian Armenian Relief Fund, 80 Bigelow Avenue, Watertown, MA 02472. Interment will take place at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Watertown.

 
Source: Armenian Weekly Mid-West