Obituary of Harry Thomasian

Harry Thomasian, the retired Executive Vice President and Board of Director member of Kayem Foods, passed away on Friday night, January 20, 2012. He was 83 years old. Harry was born in Watertown, the son of Armenian immigrants, the late Jacob and Elizabeth Thomasian. He grew up in Watertown and was a graduate of Watertown High School. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the Army and served during the end of WW II. He was the recipient of the WW II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal for his service in Japan. The GI Bill allowed Harry the opportunity to attend Bentley School of Accounting and Finance (now Bentley University) in Boston, where he earned his degree in Accounting. Harry spent most of his career working with the Monkiewicz family at Kayem Foods. He rose up through the ranks to become the company’s Executive Vice President. He retired at the age of 57 but continued to serve on Kayem’s Board of Directors for the past 26 years. He officially retired from the Kayem Board on January 16th, at which time the company honored him for his service. Harry grew up in a family rich in Armenian traditions and culture. He never forgot his humble beginnings and the many opportunities he received over his lifetime. During his retirement, he donated his services to Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance (VOCA), through which he traveled to emerging capitalistic countries such as Poland and Romania, sharing his knowledge and experience to help developing businesses. He spent weeks at a time in these countries after their transitions from communist to capitalistic societies. He also spent a significant amount of time in Armenia, giving his time and money to those in need. At home, he was a founding member of the Burlington Presbyterian Church, where he was an Elder, Deacon, Treasurer, and a tenor in the Choir. He also gave his time to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, through which he performed tax services for those in need. As a husband, parent and grandparent, he guided his family with his actions and social conscience. He always led his life in a manner and fashion that most strive to emulate. Harry is survived by his loving and supportive wife of 54 years, Betty Jean (Cooke) Thomasian. He was the proud and loving father of Betsy White & her husband Fred of E. Walpole, Nancy Heffernan & her husband Heff of Peachtree Corners, GA, Harry Thomasian Jr. & his wife Carey of Cockeysville, MD, and Susan Minghella & her husband Stephen of Burlington. He was the brother of Margaret Thomasian of Boston. He was the proud grandfather of Thomas & Susan White, Elizabeth & Harry Thomasian III, and Eric & Brian Minghella. A Memorial Service will be held at the Presbyterian Church, 335 Cambridge St., Burlington on Saturday, February 11th at 11:00 a.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Memorial donations in Harry's name may be made to the VNA of Middlesex East & Visiting Nurse Hospice, 607 North Ave, Suite 17, Wakefield, MA 01880. Arrangements under the direction of the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, Burlington. For obituary and online guestbook see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net.