Kelam S Derderian was born in Providence, RI, January 4th, 1935, and grew up in Cranston, graduating from Cranston High School, Class of '52.
He then attended Brown University , where he enrolled in ROTC and received a B.A. in Political Science.
He served full time in the United States Air Force into 1964, when he became a reservist, to pursue a career in law, and be a husband.
Kelam met Nancy Saunders on a blind date, arranged by Harry and Alice Derderian, on New Year's Eve 1963. They were married six months later, June 28, 1964 and have been devoted and in love for over 60 years.
After earning his Juris Doctor at Suffolk University in 1968, he worked as an attorney at Boston City Hospital for a short time, before he moved to Boston City Hall, and worked for the City of Boston for 31 years, retiring in 1996, where he went on to Boston Public Schools until his second retirement in 2011.
Kelam and Nancy bought and moved into 10 Jacob Rd., Belmont in 1970, where they lived for 54 years.
In 1972, they born their first and only child, Kenneth, who resides on the north shore.
Kelam retired from the Air Force in 1980, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
His accomplishments are many, and more could be mentioned, but what defined him was his intelligence, humor, pride in his service, and dedication to being a fantastic husband and father.
Kelam S Derderian, aged 90, passed in his sleep at sunrise, May 7 2025. He is survived by his wife Nancy, son Kenneth, sister Araxie, and nephew Ara.
There will be a service and/or celebration of life in the coming months.
Thank you for all your sympathy and support.
No donations are asked for here, let me stress that. But, if compelled, I'm sure either of these entities would appreciate it.
St Stephen's Armenian Apostolic Church
38 Elton Ave
Watertown, MA 02472
soorpstepanos.org/
or
Humane World for Animals (formerly called The Humane Society of the United States)
1255 23rd Street, NW, Suite 450
Washington DC 20037
Checks payable to Humane World for Animals
or secure.humaneworld.org