West Hyannisport - Martin Marderos Surabian, 94, died Feb. 13, 2013 at home. He leaves 3 sons, Martin Surabian (Sylva) of N. Potomac, MD, Richard and Steven Surabian of W. Hyannisport; 4 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, and nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Alice (Vartanian) Surabian; 3 brothers, Andrew, Harry, and Stephen Surabian; 3 sisters, Margaret Surabian, Surapi "Sue" Bezdegian, and Julia Grillo; and his granddaughter, Stephanie LaFlash-Surabian.
He was born in Worcester, son of Solomon and Mary (Haratunian) Surabian and was a graduate of Commerce High. He was an Army Air Corps veteran of WWII, serving in Guam, Mariana Island in the 876th Bombardment Group and the 871st Signal Supply Group. Cpl. Surabian was the recipient of the Soldier's Medal for bravery by acting and saving 6 crewmen who were trapped when their B-29 crashed and burst into flames at Tinker Field, OK on Feb. 9, 1945, amid constantly exploding fuel tanks and ammunition. Following his military service, Martin worked as a mail handler at the U.S. Postal Service, retiring in 1975. He lived in Princeton, MA for more than 20 years before relocating to the Cape. He was a member of the Armenian Church of Our Saviour in Worcester, Knights of Vartan, Arshavir Tahlij No. 2 Worcester, the Alethia Grotto, Guiding Lights Lodge AF & AM, 32nd Degree Mason Valley of Springfield, MA; Melha Temple, Springfield, MA, Evening Star Lodge of Perfection, Prince of Jerusalem and Rose Croix. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign War Post 3657, American Legion Post 189, and the Armenian American Veterans of Worcester.
Calling hours will be held at Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street, Worcester, Mon., Feb. 18, from 4-7 pm. The funeral will be held Tues., Feb. 19 with an 11 am service in the Armenian Church of Our Saviour, 87 Salisbury St., Worcester MA 01609. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Armenian Church of Our Saviour.
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