Mardiros (Martik) Petrossian
May 9, 1923 – Nov 12, 2020
Martik Petrossian passed away peacefully on November 12, 2020 at his home in Belmont, Massachusetts surrounded by his loving family. He was 97 years old. He leaves behind his loving wife Elik, his children Anna, Boghos, Carine, Robert and Garen. His son-in-law Robert and two daughters-in-law Mineh and Melineh, brother Raffik and his wife Anahid. His grandchildren: Raffi & Kate, Taleen, Michael, Armen, Bobby, Natalie, Patrick, Alex, Phillip, Christina, Ella, Lia, great grandchildren: Declan and Sloane, nephews, nieces and friends.
Martik was born in Rostov-on-Don in Russia. The son of Mihran and Vartanoush Petrossian, and eldest brother of Mano, Onnik and Raffik. After the Russian revolution, they moved from Russia to Tabriz, Iran, and subsequently moved to Tehran.
Martik completed high school and entered the engineering school at Tehran University, where he graduated at the top of his class and earned a full scholarship, from the government, to attend Cornell University and University of Maryland to complete his Master of Science in Civil Engineering in 1952. Then, he joined the JE Greiner Consulting firm as a senior engineer on the construction of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in Maryland for two years. After completing this project, he continued to work with Greiner for another year.
In 1955, upon receiving news of his father’s illness in Tehran, Martik returned home for what was supposed to be a short visit. While back in Tehran, Martik fell in love with his future wife, Elik, and decided to stay and start their family in Tehran. He started working as Chief Civil Engineer for the US engineering consulting firm “Lichfield Panere”. After a few years, he founded his own engineering consulting firm “Honar” with two partners focusing on infrastructure and urban development projects including highways and power stations and airports throughout Iran. At the onset of the Iranian revolution, he formally moved back to the US with his wife and youngest son and settled in Belmont, MA, joining three of his children who were already studying in the US - while his eldest daughter and her family stayed back. As he gradually adjusted to a slower pace in life, he increased his involvement in the Armenian community and cultural activities including serving on the board of the St Stephen’s Armenian school. He also supported schools in Armenia.
Martik played violin during his younger years, loved classical music, exercised regularly, enjoyed both playing and watching tennis. He loved attending his grandchildren’s events.
Martik was a man of faith. He was kind and loving, generous, intelligent, positive, honest, supportive, dedicated to his family, grounded, and had a great sense of humor. Ultimately an exemplary role model.
Martik lived a full and dignified life. His last moments at home were calm and peaceful. He will be dearly missed.
Due to ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, private funeral services were held at Saint Stephen’s Armenian Church in Watertown. We will have a memorial celebration of Martik’s life at a later time when the dangers associated with the current pandemic are no longer a health threat.
Should you wish to make a memorial donation, in lieu of flowers, consider the following:
Armenia Fund – Please make checks payable to Armenia Fund, Inc. and mail to:
M. Petrossian
20 Rayburn Road
Belmont, MA 02478
St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church
38 Elton Ave
Watertown, MA 02472
Arrangements were made by the Aram Bedrosian Funeral Home.