WORCESTER
Leon Hovsepian, 98
Leon Hovsepian, 98, of Worcester, passed away on Wednesday, April 28th at UMass Medical University Hospital. He leaves his beloved wife of 69 years, Mary; his daughter, Marlene Markarian of Paxton; his daughter-in-law, Sarah Hovsepian of West Boylston; 4 grandchildren, Marlo, wife of Jeremy Richard of Paxton; Leah, wife of Brian Fernandes of West Boylston; Leon Hovsepian III of New York and Lisa Hovsepian of Worcester. He also leaves his adored great-grandchildren, Jonathan and Cameron Richard and Kayla Fernandes. He was predeceased by his son, Leon Hovsepian II of West Boylston and his two sisters, Dove Bohigian of Worcester and Araxy Macedo of Rhode Island.
Leon was born on November 20, 1911 and grew up in Worcester, son of the late Krikor and Sirpoohy (Atamian) Hovsepian.
Leon graduated from the Art School of the Worcester Museum in 1937 and did post graduate study at Yale University, receiving a BFA degree with high academic honors in 1941. He was the Grand Marshall of his class and the recipient of the Alice Kimball English Traveling Award. Leon taught at the Worcester Art Museum and Clark University for 43 years where he was truly an inspiration to generations of artists.
Leon had his first art exhibit at the Grace Horne Gallery in Boston at the remarkable age of 12 and participated in countless exhibitions throughout his extraordinary life. Leon was a Worcester-based artist known for decades for his integrity, character and craftsmanship. Leon was a multi-media artist whose work included murals, frescoes, stained glass, sculpture, as well as portraits of public figures and private citizens. He was a world renowned Artist and Designer whose extensive artworks are displayed in the collections of many museums and institutions throughout the United States and Europe. Highlights include the Chapel at Fort Warren, MA; Willimantic Retreat House, CT; Saint Joseph’s Cemetery, E. Chelmsford, MA; Church of the Annunciation, Washington, D.C., with many other projects too numerous to mention.
Leon was a member of the Bohemian Club and the Traveling Camera Club, both in Worcester.
There are no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at the Armenian Church of Our Saviour, 87 Salisbury St., Worcester, on Saturday May 8th at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Armenian Church of Our Saviour or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements in the care of CALLAHAN & FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 61 Myrtle St. To place an on-line condolence, please visit. www.callahanfay.com