NORAY SARKISIAN

Noray Sarkisian, age 99, of Port Richey, Florida, passed away on December 1, 2023. Born in Detroit, Michigan on February 29, 1924, he was the son of the Armenian Genocide survivors Araxie and Dakes Sarkisian. Growing up with his sisters, Ann (d. 2017) and Rose (d. 2012), in the warm Armenian community of Delray, Noray graduated from both Southwestern High School and the Ford Trade School. He received the distinguished America Legion Award, which exemplified his courage, honor, leadership, patriotism scholarship, and service. An early example of his leadership was his appointment to be the captain of the victorious basketball team.

Noray was an especially proud WWII US Army veteran, stationed in Luzon, Philippines, serving as the Staff Sergeant Battalion Motor Chief. Returning home after the war, he used his GI Bill to advance his education earning two Master’s degrees - a Master of Electrical Engineering from Wayne State University and a Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University. Noray and his cousin, Zaven Sarkisian (d.2001), took classes together, often quizzing each other during their walks to school.

Noray met the love of his life, Ann Dembicki, and they married in 1950. They raised a loving family with a son, Noray Michael, and a daughter Deborah Ann. As his career flourished, the family moved from Detroit to Bloomfield Township. Ann passed away in 2015 after 64 years of marriage.

Noray and Ann loved to dance.  They also enjoyed vacations/travel with his sister Ann Bockel and her husband John.  Noray was easy to spot in a crowd… he always had the biggest smile.

He rose to the rank of Chief Electrical and Vice President of Electrical Engineering for Cunningham-Limp International Contractors.  He loved his work and enjoyed its global travel.  Finally Noray worked for Giffels Hoyem Basso, until retirement. He mentored many young engineers, many who also ascended to leadership positions and maintained contact decades after Noray’s retirement.

In addition to the family, Noray was loved and respected by many neighbors, friends, and colleagues. In retirement, Noray reminded his family and friends that “every day is a blessing”.  After the passing of his dearly loved wife Ann, he told his family and friends that “every day is a bonus.”  On December 1, heaven was enriched with his entrance as he reunited with his wife, siblings, and friends.

FAMILY MEMBERS

Throughout his nearly 100 years, Noray always cherished his family, friends and his faith.  In addition to his son Noray Michael and daughter Deborah Ann (Richard) Stamp, he eternally loved his grandchildren - Zachary Stamp and Carly Stamp.  He was uncle to David (Cathy) Bockel, Mark (Kate Lindberg) Bockel, Mary Rose (Woody) Denning, Carolyn (David) Freese, Roxy (David) Shipps, and Nshan (Marylin) Erganian (d. 2021).  Cathy Pinkos, Nancy (the late Rick) Moffatt, Robert (Mary Kay) Armstrong, Peggy and Jon Winters. Michael Dembicki, Sue Dembicki, Kathy Dembicki. Noray is also survived by cousins David (Carol) Pletcher, Ramona Pletcher, Andy (Sharon) Sarkisian, Gloria (Tom) Hughes, and Mark (Connie) Sarkisian.  The cherished Kachigian family - Karen (Mike, d.) Bullion, Lori (David, d.) Kontry, Terrie (John) Karebian, and John (Sheila) Kachigian, Jr. - were also very close to Noray and Ann.  This extended family was always greeted with “I love you” and “you are family”.  He let everyone know they were valued in his life.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

Visitation will take place in St. John Armenian Church, 22001 Northwestern Hwy, Southfield, MI 48075 on Friday, December 15, 2023, from 10:00 am until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 am, followed by US Army Military Honors at 12 Noon in the church building. Interment will take place at 1:00 pm in the family lot, next to his wife Ann, in Woodlawn Cemetery, Detroit, MI.

MEMORIAL DONATIONS

The family suggests that memorial donations be sent to St. John Armenian Church. Donation link:   https://abundant.co/stjohnarmenianchurch/ilof

CONDOLENCES

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FLORISTS

Please send all floral tributes directly to the church by Dec 15, 2023, Friday 9:00 am

Thank You

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