It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of John Sakalian, on March 15, 2025, at the age of 95. John was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, family man and a cherished member of his community.
Born on November 14, 1929, in the Bronx, to Hagop and Elmas Sakalian. John was a first generation Armenian American. He was brother to Avadis, his older brother and Mary, his younger sister. Having grown up on 138th St. in the Bronx, he fondly and frequently recalled his cherished childhood memories filled with close family bonds and lifelong friends. John’s love of sports developed early on. He played organized Gaelic football, and basketball. LIke many that grew up in that era he also played “on the block” pick-up games of stickball, softball, football.
Growing up during the Great Depression he learned many of life’s valuable lessons: “waste not want not”, “expect the unexpected”, “save a little for a rainy day” and “everything has a purpose”.
Having had a passion for learning and dedication to helping others. He attended Metropolitan Vocational High School, where he learned the trade of merchant mariner. These skills served him well working on an oil tanker for ESSO Company out at sea for 2 years.
Once back home he worked briefly as an electrical apprentice before he was drafted into the US Army. He saw active duty in Korea serving in a heavy artillery company. During a battle he burnt his forearm. His commanding officer wanted to award him a Purple Heart, but John asked if he could refuse this honor. He did not want to worry his mother.
Once back in the states, John took the advice of his mother and pursued the same career of his best friend, Tommy. According to John’s mother, Tommy always had money in his pocket and didn’t carry a heavy toolbox. That advice led to a successful career in selling life insurance for over 60 years.
John was a devoted family man, who cherished every moment spent with his loved ones. He married his childhood sweetheart, Margie, in 1959, and together they built a loving and supportive home. John’s children, Ellen and Susan, were his pride and joy. He was also a doting grandfather to two beautiful granddaughters, Maggie and Gabby who brought immense happiness to his life. He loved celebrating all of life’s milestones with his family; first days of school, volleyball and tennis matches, weddings, beach days, vacations, graduations; he showed up to all of them and made every event a celebration. His pride in his family was immense.
Life provided him with challenges but none that ever broke his faith in God. John lost his beloved wife in 1994 after a 5-year battle with cancer. Never one to say, “why me”, he was dedicated to her care every day of her illness providing compassion and comfort to his wife and family. He has also outlived all of his friends and many family members including his beloved brother, Arvidis.
John enjoyed watching Turner Classic Movies, watching the NY Giants, NY Mets, and the NY Knicks. But his favorite team to watch was the Boston Red Sox and that was not easy to do living his entire life in the Bronx and with a son-in-law who is a Yankee fan. Both of whom loved teasing the other about their teams. John was also an avid reader of history. He enjoyed playing golf and visiting wineries with his daughter and daughter-in-law.
Throughout his life, John demonstrated unwavering integrity, humility, and resilience. He faced challenges with grace and always found ways to uplift those around him. His wisdom, humor, and warmth will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
John’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and dedication. He leaves behind a family who will carry on his values and memories, a community that will forever remember his contributions, and a world that is better for having had him in it.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate John’s remarkable life and honor his memory on Thursday from 4-8pm at John Dormi & Sons Funeral Home, 1121 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx. Mass will be Friday at 10:30am at St. Gregory the Enlightener Armenian Church, 1131 North Street, White Plains. Interment will follow at St. Raymond’s Cemetery, 2600 Lafayette Avenue, Bronx.. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the St. Gregory the Enlightener Armenian Church, 1131 North Street, White Plains, New York or Calvary Hospital, 1740 Eastchester Road, Bronx, New York- organizations close to John’s heart.
Rest in peace, John Sakalian. Your legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all who were fortunate enough to know you.
