Obituary of Paul Jaffarian

Latham – Paul Jaffarian (Sonny), 92, of Latham, N.Y. passed from this mortal world for a better one on Monday, May 26, 2014 surrounded by his loving family after an aging illness which he faced graciously and with dignity. He was predeceased by his first wife of 11 years, Margaret Paparion Jaffarian. He was the devoted husband of 48 years of Marion Janowska Jaffarian. He was the son of the late Toros and Agahvni Manoogian Jaffarian and brother to Grace Sapino and spouse Theodore and the late Dolly Jaffarian, Virginia Kazanjian and Mary Jaffarian. He was the brother-in-law of Jean M. Johnson (Edward) of Cohoes. He was a host to nieces and nephews who referred to him as Uncle Paul. Paul was a humble man who served his country with the U.S. Navy 35th CB Unit from 1942-1945. He crossed the equator in December 30, 1942. January 1945 US Congress passed a law, groups going overseas a second time got a leave prior to departure. Leave dates varied. He served two tours of duty overseas. He participated in numerous battles throughout the Pacific such as Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, Tulogi during the Japanese raid June 1945, Pearl Harbor 1945. He received the Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and Philippine Liberation Ribbon. When he returned home after an Honorable Discharge December 1, 1945, he joined his father in the family business, Jaffarian Bros. He was a successful entrepreneur who loved the business and he used his acumen to develop new ideas, methods and products which led to a growing business and a larger customer base. The lean years of the depression and his military service impressed upon him the values of working hard and leading a modest life. He enjoyed the simple things in life such as nature, birds, his home and especially the family gatherings. He was the family patriarch and relished it. He was a communicant of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Cohoes and his earlier years took part in several activities. He was not a member of St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church but supported it. He was one of 12 Godfathers to the Church. Funeral Friday 11:00 am at St. Michael the Archangel Church, Cohoes where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. The family will receive friends at the Church Friday morning from 10:00 to 11:00. Interment in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Waterford with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Paul in a special way may make a contribution to St. Michael the Archangel Church, special projects or St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church, Watervliet in his memory. .