Obituary of George Babakian
With sadness we report that George Babakian—beloved husband, father, in-law, grand and great grandfather, uncle, friend and stand-up guy—passed away peacefully on April 3, five weeks after he celebrated his 100th birthday. He leaves a loving legacy that will not fade.
He was the father who was always there for you.
He was the favorite uncle who loved to cha cha.
He taught all of his grandchildren how to play backgammon, and usually let them win.
He was a social creature who loved to dance, to laugh and to eat. He was well known for tasting something and then pronouncing: “This is the best I’ve ever eaten.”
The youngest son of Hagop and Mushkin Babakian, Armenians who fled the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century, George grew up in the Bronx, where his best friends were also the children of immigrants who settled in New York from various countries. He rooted for his local team, the New York Yankees, and saw iconic legends like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio and so many others play—including the new rookie for the Brooklyn Dodgers: Jackie Robinson.
He was proud to have been among the first four-year class to have graduated from the Bronx High School of Science in June of 1943. The day after his graduation, he enlisted in the navy, and eventually served on the U.S.S. Missouri, or the Mighty Mo, as he called it. He was proud of his service and wore his USS Missouri cap often. He loved engaging with fellow veterans and random people on the street when they stopped to thank him for his service.
After serving in the U.S. Navy he returned to New York City, where he worked in the family jewelry business, where he developed a passion for jade and colored gems. Later in life, he advised more than one aspiring groom on how to buy the right engagement ring.
As a young man he joined the New York Chapter of the Armenian Students Association, and served as president. During his tenure, he met his future wife, Grace Ayvazian. As he liked to say: I was president, so I got to go out with the prettiest girl. He was a devoted husband to Grace for more than 50 years, until her death in 2006.
George is survived by three children (Glenn, Gerard and Genine Babakian) and their partners, five grandchildren (Kyra and Mark Babakian and their partners, and Maritza, Kieran and Nikita De Savornin Lohman) and two great-grandchildren. He lived a long, full life and put a smile on so many faces. He loved and was surrounded by loved ones. And he will be missed.
A memorial service will be planned for the summer.