Ara R. Shakarjian

Ara R. Shakarjian, a long-time resident of Rydal, PA, passed from this life on Feb 29, 2024. He was 95.

Ara was born in Troy, New York, on May 21, 1928, to Richard Shakarjian and Veronica (Hamparian) Shakarjian.  He was predeceased by his wife of sixty-five years, Virginia “Ginny.”

A loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Ara took a special interest in his family and enjoyed participating in their activities and watching them grow. He is survived by his three children, Mark Shakarjian of Warminster, Daniel Shakarjian (Kris) of Horsham, and Christine Grosstephan (Michael) of Burbank, CA. In addition, he is survived by four grandchildren, Victoria Lyons (Rob), Karyn Shakarjian, Emily Grosstephan and Kaitlyn Grosstephan, and three great-grandchildren, Noelle Lyons, Scarlette Lyons, and Robert James Lyons. Also surviving him are his brother-in-law Edward Garabed (Nancy), his sister-in-law Zevart Shakarjian and many nieces and nephews.  His brothers Diran and George predeceased him.

A graduate of Overbrook High School in Philadelphia, he received a degree in radio and television technology from Temple University, Philadelphia.

During the Korean war, Ara served in the U.S. Army in Germany where he provided radio and radar operations and repair.

An employee in electrical engineering for General Electric, Ara contributed to telemetry and television communications so that TV broadcasts of the manned Apollo 7, 8 and 9 splashdowns could be watched on the “big three” networks ABC, NBC and CBS as well as by the whole world. He did this aboard the aircraft carriers USS Essex (CVS-9) and Yorktown (CVS-10) and the amphibious assault ship Guadalcanal (LPH-7). Ara also contributed to the Viking orbiter program, communication and GPS satellites and missile guidance systems for US national defense.

Ara enjoyed building models and was an avid photographer.  He served alongside Ginny in many capacities in their church. He photographed a variety of church events and used the photos in countless digital presentations. He was an active member of the Knights of Vartan.  He also served his community as Judge of Elections for many years.

Family and friends are invited to Ara’s funeral service on Friday, March 15, 2024, at Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, 101 Ashmead Road, Cheltenham, PA. A visitation will be held at the church starting at 9:30 a.m. followed by the service at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be at Lawnview Cemetery, 500 Huntingdon Pike, Rockledge, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, 101 Ashmead Road, Cheltenham, PA 19012.

Arrangements by John J. Bryers Funeral Home, 215-659-1630, www.bryersfh.com

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