Charles Nazarian

90, of North Providence, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 27, 2023, following a short stay at Cedar Crest Nursing & Rehabilitation Centre, Cranston. He was the beloved husband of Gloria R. (Kasparian) Nazarian. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son the of the late Haroutioun and Arpine (Siraganian) Nazarian, both survivors of the Armenian Genocide.  When he was just 1, his father passed unexpectedly at age 29. Within a year, Arpine set sail for Marsaille with Charles and his 3-year-old sister Rose, to be with her mother living in Marsaille, France, where she, along with her mother had found safety after the Genocide.   A few years later, Arpine met and married Nishan Aznavorian, also a Genocide survivor living in Marsaille.  As the family grew, in 1939 they made their way to Providence, Rhode Island, with the help of Nishan’s brother.  Charles spent the rest of his life in Rhode Island.

Charles was a US Army Veteran serving in the Korean War. After his military service, he attended and graduated from Johnson & Wales Business School (now University).  He had a career as an industrial engineer with Federal Products Corp. for over 40 years.  Charles was an active lifelong member of Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church.  In 2011, he was honored during the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide and flag raising in the Town of North Providence.  He was also extremely active in Free Masonry: Past Master of Overseas Lodge No. 40, Past Commander of Calvary Commandery No. 13 Knights Templar, 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, Providence Royal Arch Chapter No. 1, Rhode Island Shriner, and others.  He was especially committed to their charitable work.

Besides his wife Gloria, he is survived by his loving children, Rev. Fr. Kapriel Nazarian and his wife Debra of North Providence, Michael C. Nazarian of Coconut Creek, FL and the late Christine A. White; cherished grandchildren, Robert Nazarian, Alexandria Perry and her husband Thomas, Ariana White and Maxwell Nazarian; dear siblings, Suzanne Charello and husband David of Wakefield, Eleanor Roberts and husband James of Hingham, MA, and the late Rose Vartanian and Raymond Aznavorian He is also survived by his son-in-law Joseph White of Lincoln and his sister-in-law Joanne Aznavorian of Burrillville, along with many cherished nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Service on Thursday, May 4th in Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church, Providence at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Park, Johnston. VISITING HOURS will be held in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston on Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church, 402 Broadway, Providence, RI 02909.