WEST BOYLSTON— Albert Surabian, 81, died Wednesday, October 20, 2004, in Holy Trinity Nursing Home. He leaves his beloved and cherished wife, Shirley (Kachadoorian) Surabian; his beloved son and daughter-in-law, Albert M. and Alyce M. Surabian; his beloved grandchildren--Ani M. (Arakelian) Manolakas and her husband, Peter, Shant Arakelian, Danielle H. Surabian, Ara Surabian, and Albert M. Surabian-his beloved brother Oscar Surabian and his wife, Joanne; his beloved sisters, Nora Osganian and Alice Christy; his loyal brother-in-law, Thomas Kachadoorian and his wife, Millie; his sisters-in-law, Beverly Kashmanian and her husband, Harry, and Maro Kachadoorian. He was predeceased in 1998 by his beloved, precious daughter, Christine (Surabian) Arakelian, who was the apple of his eye. He was also predeceased by his brother-in-law, Jack Kachadoorian.
He was born in Worcester, son of Mitchell and Araxie (Manoogian) Surabian. Albert was in the "European Campaign" in Germany and France and was very proud of being a Top Turret Gunner in the Army Air Corp during WWII. As a sergeant in the 442nd Bomb Squadron and a member of the 320th Bomb Group, he flew more than 60 combat missions in the B-26 Martin Marauder. He was cited by General de Gaulle, President of the Provisional Government of the French Republic and Chief of Armies, by Order of the French Air Force with the Croix de Guerre avec Palme for its outstanding part in the preparation and support of the Allied offensive in Italy which began on May 11, 1944 by attacking and destroying many of the most important objectives in support of the French Army, despite intense, heavy, and accurate anti-aircraft fire. He was honorably discharged from the 1060th Army Air Force for his Honest and Faithful Service to this country from Camp Chaffee, Arkansas in September of 1945.
He was a member of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Trinity Church, its Men's Club and choir. He was an avid golfer and was a founding member of the Armenian Hye Hackers. He loved sports and enjoyed playing cards with the men's club. Mr. Surabian worked for Heald Machine, retiring in 1979 after 25 years' of service.
Private funeral services were held Friday, October 22, at the Armenian Apostolic Holy Trinity Church. Burial in Hope Cemetery. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Armenian Apostolic Holy Trinity Church, 635 Grove St., Worcester, MA 01605.