WORCESTER - Jacob (Jake) Merzigian, 93 and Kennebunkport, ME, died Tuesday, December 8th surrounded by his family and loved ones.
He was pre-deceased by his wife of 54 years, Varti (Davidian), his sister Anna (Merzigian) Krikorian, brother Kaizer, also known as Joe, and his niece Melanie Davidian.
He leaves his daughter Lisa Merzigian Balch of Worcester, his son Jake Merzigian, daughter-in-law Donna, grandsons Jake and Gregory, and granddaughter Juliana of Raleigh, NC; a brother John and his wife Jean of Worcester. He will be remembered by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his “Godson” James Balch. His companion, Marion Avedisian of Delray Beach, FL and her family, also mourn his loss.
He was born in Worcester to Hovhannes and Martha (Avakian) Merzigian. Jake graduated from South High in 1940 and Clark University with a BA in Business Administration in 1947. At Clark, he participated in several organizations including Gryphon, Pasticcio, CUPS, Bridge Club, the Veterans’ Organization and lettered in 3 sports. He was a proud member of the Kappa Phi Fraternity and was selected and listed in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.
He served with Honor as a First Lieutenant in the Army Air Corp and flew 30 missions out of Italy during WWII. He belonged to the Harold N. Keith American Legion Post in West Boylston.
Jake was a founding member of Spencer Products, Inc., a wire-fabricating manufacturing company. As a lifetime resident of Worcester, he was a member of many clubs, organizations and the Armenian Church of Our Saviour.
Those who knew him loved his big smile and boisterous laugh! Jake was blessed to spend his retirement in Goose Rocks Beach, ME, Pompano Beach, FL and then added Delray Beach, FL and Southampton, NY to his travel rotation. He loved his family and looked forward to any and all family dinners and “kheyma parties”.
Jake loved to play golf and he had many friends through Colonel Green’s Golf Brigade, and with the HYE Tech Golfers. He loved playing Bridge and spent many hours enjoying the game at Senior Centers in MA, ME and FL.
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, December 29th at 4pm at the Armenian Church of Our Saviour, Worcester. A Funeral service was performed on Friday, December 11th at St. David’s Armenian Church, Boca Raton, FL.
In Lieu of Flowers, donations can be made to the Armenian Church of Our Saviour, 87 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609