Millbury: Elias Y. Malkhassian, 79, passed away on Sunday, April 28, 2019 in UMass Center- University Campus surrounded by his loving family. His wife Mary (Pamboukian) Malkhassian predeceased him in 1979. He leaves his daughter Sue (Sosie) D. Malkhassian of Millbury and his son Michael (Vatche) and his wife Susan R. (Hill) Malkhassian of Holden and a grandson Darren Malkhassian and a granddaughter Sevan Malkhassian; a brother and sister-in-law Harry and Val Malkhassian of Australia; 2 nieces and a nephew - Anie and her husband Yervant Zanazanian , Karam and his wife Lennie Malkhassian, and Taline Malkhassian and her husband Paul Linsdell all of Australia. Last but not least his beloved beagle Barney.
Eli, as he was known, was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, son of the late Ohannes and Shake (Aslanian) Malkhassian. Growing up in Ethiopia he spoke 4 languages Armenian, English, Ethiopian and Italian fluently. He finished school and started working for Safarian Construction in Ethiopia. They would send him into remote locations for months at a time with little to no parts to repair large diesel construction machinery. This is where he got his skills to be the “MacGyver” of the family. In 1971 he moved his family to America to escape the Marxist dictator Mengistu, who overthrew the emperor Haile Selassie. The emperor had adopted his dad (Ohannes) after the Armenian Genocide of WWI. Once in America he worked construction jobs then started working for Atamian Motors in Worcester, Ma as a foreign auto mechanic retiring in 1994. He was a member of the Armenian Church of Our Savior in Worcester and enjoyed spending time with his family especially trips to Cape Cod. He was also known for having a wonderful sense of humor. He was kind and was giving of his time and would help anyone, especially with his mechanic skills. If it was broken, he would fix it for you.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2019 from 10:00am - 12:00pm noon at the Armenian Church of Our Savior, 87 Salisbury St. Worcester, MA 01609. A funeral service will follow at 12:00pm noon at the church. Burial will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Eli's memory may be made to the Armenian Church of Our Savior. Nordgren Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave an online condolence message, please click link.