Richard Maloumian

Richard Maloumian, 86, Oriental rug merchant & commercial real estate owner

Richard Maloumian, of Philadelphia, PA, passed away peacefully at home on August 15th (his birthday) at the age of 86 surrounded by his loving family.  Born on August 15th, 1938 to Menas Maloumian and Anna Stepanian, Richard lived in Philadelphia and attended Germantown High School and Temple University.

Richard was a hard working business man who was driven with an eye for detail and an incredible work ethic.  He truly lived “The American Dream”.  From the early age of 13 he helped his father grow the family rug cleaning business which was located behind their home in Germantown.  In the early 1970’s, Richard decided to start a retail business and founded Maloumian Oriental Rug’s in Chestnut Hill, PA.  Selling new rugs throughout the Delaware Valley was second nature.  His brother Roy joined him in the rug business and together they made tremendous inroads into the international oriental rug market. 

In 1980, they opened a new home for the rug business in Chestnut Hill acquiring the property formerly occupied by the long-standing Lincoln Mercury car dealership.  The new rug retail showroom became the largest in the United States. 

In 1990 Richard left the rug business and pursued a second career focusing on commercial real estate.  He developed the former rug store location into a thriving shopping center with major retailers.

Richard was very proud of his Armenian heritage.  He was passionate about the culture, spoke the language and loved the traditional dishes. 

Cars were Richard’s lifelong passion.  At times, he had quite an assortment of British, German and Italian sports cars as well as American muscle. He raced a vintage 1956 Austin Healey 100-4 for 25 years from age 50 to 75 most notably at the famed road course, Lime Rock Park…which was his favorite place,  located in the Berkshire Mountains of CT. 

Richard was outgoing, personable and a fantastic story teller (sometimes a few repeats).  He had a great sense of humor and was particularly skilled at the one line zinger.  He was sharp dressed, a great dancer and loved 50’s rock and roll and blues, especially Chuck Berry and B.B. King. Most of all, Richard loved spending time, over dinner with lots of laughs, with his family and friends who affectionately referred to him as “Pops”. 

We will miss you Pops!

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Florence …his three children Richard Jr. (Michelle), Deran and Heather (Michael Jenkins), as well as his three grandchildren Logan, Alexander and Sailor.

A future date will be set to celebrate his life.

Should friends desire, contributions in his name may be made to the Armenian Sisters Academy, 400 Upper Gulf Road, Radnor, PA 19087.

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