Obituary of Leon V. Calousdian

Leon “Sacha” Der Calousdian (1940 – 2025)10 City Place, Apt PH3

Leon V. Der Calousdian, affectionately known as “Sacha,” passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s on October 15th, 2025, at the age of 85. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his wife of 53 years, Nathalie, his three children, Grégoire (“Greg”), Vanessa, and Cedric, as well as his beloved grandsons Tristan (15), Sebastien (14), Leo (12), Nicolas (10), and Maxime (10 months).

Born in Pau, France on June 16, 1940, Sacha came from a long line of jewelers dating back to the 1800s. His father, who was fighting in the war at the time, made a perilous journey by bicycle to meet his newborn son, a story that embodied the strength and devotion that would define Sacha’s own life.

After graduating from La Chambre Syndicale de la Bijouterie in Paris, he moved to New York in 1958. He served in the U.S. Army and designed for prominent jewelers, including David Webb.

In 1968, he founded Alwand Vahan Jewelry in a small Manhattan studio, bringing together European artistry and American craftsmanship. His signature bracelets, introduced in the 1990s, became an icon of modern luxury and remain at the heart of the brand today.

Outside of jewelry, Sacha was a man of boundless curiosity and refined taste. He had a deep passion for automobiles, especially restoring and racing British classic cars. He was equally at home in the world of art, serving as a dedicated curator and collector who saw beauty in every form of human creativity. His love of travel took him across the world, where he drew inspiration from architecture, culture, and nature alike. Throughout the years, he found joy and expression through sculpting, bringing the same grace and precision to his art that he did to every piece of jewelry he designed.

A long-time member of the Larchmont Yacht Club, Sacha found great joy and camaraderie on the water. He cherished his days sailing and racing an Etchells, where his love for the ocean and the thrill of the race reflected the joy and vitality that defined him. The friendships he built and the countless memories made on those waters brought him deep happiness and embodied the same grace, discipline, and passion that guided him throughout his life.

More than a gifted artist, Sacha was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose warmth, humor, and creativity touched all who knew him. His legacy endures in the beauty he created and in the family who continues to carry his vision forward. His love and passion will forever shine in the hearts of those he inspired.

Visiting will be Thursday October 23, 2025  from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at John J. Fox Funeral Home, Inc. 2080 Boston Post Road Larchmont, NY 10538

Funeral Mass will be Friday October 24, 2025 11:00am at St. Augutine Church 18 Cherry Ave. Larchmont, NY 10538