Our Obituaries

Ara Anooshian, age 88, of Port Jervis, NY passed away Friday April 20, 2012 at his home. He was born on February 10, 1924 in New York , NY the son of the late Vartan and Perouz Sarkisian Anooshian. Ara was accepted as a member of the first graduating class of 1941 of the High School of Science, Bronx, NY. This distinguished school graduated several Nobel Prize Winners. Upon graduation, he enlisted during WW II with the United States Army. Ara's military service was recognized by the United States: "By direction of the President and under the provisions of Army Regulations 600-45, dated 22 September 1943, as amended, a Bronze Star was awarded to Private First Class Ara Anooshian 12190146, Company A, 54th Armored Infantry Battalion, United States Army, for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States at Pellingen, Germany on 7 February 1945. When the main road into Pellingen was rendered useless by the enemy, Private First Class Anooshian, rifleman, as a member of a reconnaissance patrol, braved intense hostile fire to find an alternate route into the town and lead reinforcements to relieve a besieged forward element. His exemplary conduct reflects great credit upon himself and the military forces of the United States." After his military service Ara continued his education at New York University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree from the school of Commerce, Accounts and Finance. Ara then attended New York Law School while working as an accountant. Upon graduation, he received his Juris Doctor and was admitted to the New York Bar in 1953 and became a Certified Public Accountant in 1954. In the mid 1950's, Ara began his solo law practice in Port Jervis as the Law Office of Ara Anooshian. He was later joined by his wife Marion as the firm of Anooshian & Anooshian and continued their practice until retirement. Ara was a member of the Armenian Apostolic Church in NYC, a member of the Port Jervis Lions Club, a member of the Port Jervis Lodge of Elks #645, B.P.O. E., a member of The Port Jervis Library Board, and a member of the Orange County, Port Jervis, and New York State Bar Associations. Ara married Marion Keshian Anooshian who pre-deceased him on October 4, 2008. He is survived by his son, John S. Anooshian, Esq. and his wife Cynthia Ruggerio, Esq. of Haddonfield, New Jersey, his brother, Armen Anooshian and his wife Connie of Las Vegas, Nevada and several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his sister Alice Kassabian and his brother-in -law and sister-in law, V. Edward and Elizabeth Keshian. Friends may call Wednesday April 25, 2012 from 11 am to 1 pm at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Interment will follow at Rural Valley Cemetery, Cuddebackville, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to Armenian National Committee of America, 1711 N St., N.W, Washington, D.C 20036-2801 (anca.org) or to a charity of donor's choice. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. For information,directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com