Obituary of Zareh Altounian

Zareh Altounian: Our community lost a valuable member last Friday on December 8, 2023. After a long battle with Alzheimer's, Zareh Kerop Altounian died peacefully in his home, while holding his son's hand.

Born September 19, 1941 in Cairo, Egypt,  Zareh was the son of Kerop and Haigouhi Altounian.  Zareh is survived by his son Raffi Altounian and brother Zaven Altounian. Zareh is also survived by his brother in law, Ohan (and Rita) Ohanian, sister in law Jacqueline Ohanian, brother in law Dickran (and Aline) Ohanian, and the late Hratch (and Silva) Ohanian;  as well as her nieces and nephews, Leo (and Sevana) Ohanian, Isabel (and David ) Kubikian, Sarin and Guillio Centemero, Sevag Ohanian, Haig Ohanian, Ohan Ohanian, Alique Ohanian, Andrew Ohanian, and Simon Ohanian. He was especially fond of his grandnieces and nephews, Jacqueline and Arthur Alexander Kubikian, Leona and Noelle Ohanian, and Ari Cenetmero of Milan, Italy.  He is predeceased by his wife Annie Altounian.

After graduating from the American University in Cairo, Zareh earned a scholarship through General Electric (GE), to pursue higher education in the United States. Zareh got his graduate degree from RPI (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) as a Civil Engineer. He had a long loyal career at GE as a project manager overseeing the drafting of electric power plants around the world.

Beyond his professional success, Zareh and Annie were devoted to the Armenian community. He was proud to serve both churches and the community in any facet. He handled the finances for Homenetmen Club and The St. Peter's Armenian School for many years.

Zareh's life is defined by the devotion he gave to his wife and son. He married the woman of his dreams and treated her like a queen. His wife, Ani, later devoted herself completely to caring for her husband until her very last breath. Their son Raffi, also devoted himself to providing care for his father. Everyone that met Zareh fell in love with him and his kind, and gentle soul. Zareh was a man that radiated kindness no matter the situation. He showed us all how important it was to be kind and humble. 

Calling hour will be on Friday at 11:00 AM at Saint Peter's Armenian Church 100 Troy-Schenectady Rd, Watervliet, NY 12189.  Funeral service to take place at noon.  Interment will be in Albany Rural Cemetery

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to "Saint Peters Ani Altounian Armenian School" Saint Peters Armenian Church, 100 Troy-Schenectady Rd, Watervliet, NY 12189.