C. George Elanjian of Woburn, MA. May 10, 2026. Passed away unexpectedly while recovering from a recent injury during a rehabilitation stay. His sudden and heartbreaking passing has left his family devastated and at a complete loss. George was a devoted husband to the late Dorothy (Giderian) Elanjian and beloved father of Janine M. Gregory and her husband Jim of Woburn, Loren E. Baccari and her husband Dom of Woburn, and Rafael Elanjian and his wife Julie of Burlington. Treasured "Papa" of Marissa Gregory and her fiancé Ira Lough, Sophia Gregory, Derek Baccari, Jenna Baccari, Sean Elanjian and preceded in death by his beloved granddaughter Sloane Elanjian.
George was born and raised in Cambridge by his mother, Harriet, an Armenian genocide survivor, whose strength, sacrifice, and unwavering love shaped the man he would become. Her resiliency and determination later influenced George`s own work ethic and drive starting as a little boy who sold pencils on his tricycle who then graduated Rindge High School in 1957 followed by a degree in Architectural Engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology as a first-generation college graduate in 1960. He completed ongoing continuing education at the Boston Architectural Center and became a registered architect in 1974.
George met the love of his life Dorothy (Giderian) at an Armenian dance where the two formed a love connection. They were married on Aug 11, 1963, beginning a loving and spirited partnership that spanned 63 years until her death this past January. George, with his wife Dottie always brought their energy and rhythm wherever they went. Together they embraced and celebrated their shared Armenian heritage, frequently attending Armenian dances and community events, and gathering with family and many special friends. George`s favorite life pastimes revolved around playing cards, dining out, Red Sox games, bowling and softball leagues, Chinese food and Mai tais, Sunday church, coaching his kid’s youth sports, and the occasional casino.
George prided on providing for his new family and building his reputation and career as an architect and passionate supporter of Armenian causes and traditions. He worked long hours always with the intention to allow his family to live comfortably and splurge on them as he and Dottie liked. George served as a principal architect for John. G. Danielson Inc from 1974 - 1991. Mr. Danielson was a strong mentor and influence in George`s professional life that carried with him as he advanced in his career. Notable projects with Danielson Inc. included Bentley College, Gordon College, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Wellington Condo Complex.
As a principal independent architect, George founded CGE & Associates where he designed many custom homes, multi-family residential units, commercial office buildings, and restaurants. George had many professional accolades and achievements one of which he earned Rindge "Man of the Year" in 2012 as an alumnus where his professional career and community contributions were recognized.
As a proud Armenian - American, George volunteered extensively for charities including at St. Stephen's Armenian Apostolic Church of Watertown where he was a past member of the board of trustees. He also served as past treasurer of the St. James Armenian Men`s Club and he was Chairman of the All-Gifts Committee raising 6.2 million for Armenian Heritage Park on the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway and its endowment fund. This is the only park that is privately funded and maintained by the Armenian Heritage Foundation and gifted to the City of Boston. George was also a long-standing member for the Knights of Vartan, Ararat Lodge that promotes Armenian Heritage and cultural preservation. For many years, George was also a beloved auctioneer and personality at the annual St. Stephen`s Armenian church bazaar and a lively Bingo announcer at church events.
In the 1960`s George Served in the Army National Guard, Hd Co II USA Corps SRCP stationed in Boston Army Base Duty Station, 5425 QM Corp. As a veteran, in 1990 George became a member of the AMVETS Post 41 in Watertown, MA now named the Armenian American Veterans of Greater Boston. Known as the "heart of the AMVETS", George chaired the College Scholarship committee that is supported by the AAVGB/AGBU Endowment Fund, ensuring lasting educational support for generations to come.
Affectionately called Pups, George`s favorite times were with family and friends, especially during the summer months in Gloucester. Pups loved entertaining with backyard clambakes and cookouts, often with a bloody mary in hand (or tequila!) with his wife by his side on their front or back porch. It was his and his wife's dream to own property near Good Harbor Beach and their home was a hub in the summer for their children, grandchildren, friends and family. Pup loved backyard bonfires, relaxing in his jacuzzi, tending to his summer flowers & connecting with his Gloucester neighbors.
George grew up without a father figure but became the kind of father he never had– devoted, protective, and endlessly supportive, setting the standard like no other to his three children Janine, Loren and Rafael. He had a profound influence on their life`s paths, always sharing his wisdom and life lessons. A personal family highlight for George was when he traveled to Colombia for his adopted son who was born from the heart by him and his wife Dottie to complete their family. His role as a dad and grandfather extended even to close family friends who looked up to him as a role model. His grandchildren Marissa, Sophia, Derek, Jenna and Sean with his angel Sloane, were his pride and joy, always present for their sports, special events, and every milestone. He traveled the country to follow any grandchild in their sport tournaments and cherished family trips to Aruba and the Bahamas for forever memories. He was even adopted as the team mascot for his granddaughter`s Armenian woman`s national 6`s lacrosse team when he traveled to Greece for their international competition in 2025.
George loved lively debates and never shied away from expressing his opinion. He had strong convictions with a heart of gold, always only a phone call away to save the day. His spirit was larger than life, perfectly paired with humor that kept everyone on their toes. No doubt, George was a force in his family that will never be replaced.
As a self-made, hardworking, unforgettable presence, the family referred to George as "the man, the myth, the legend". His unwavering devotion to his wife Dottie in her extreme time of need is the epitome of the kind of man George was to those who knew and loved him.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours, Tuesday, May 19th, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., Woburn, and again on Wednesday morning, May 20th, at 9:30 a.m. followed by a funeral service in St. Stephen's Armenian Apostolic Church, 38 Elton Ave, Watertown, at 11 a.m. Services will conclude with interment at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in George's memory to St. Stephen's Armenian Apostolic Church 38 Elton Ave. Watertown, MA. 02472 or The Armenian Heritage Foundation, Karen Dederayn, Treasurer PO Box 77, Watertown, MA 02471.