Shrewsbury – Harry Der Harootunian, 81, of the Southgate Community in Shrewsbury, died Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016 after a brief illness.
Harry was born in Worcester, son of the late Bedros and Manooshag (Chalikian) Der Hartootunian. He graduated from South High School in 1953. He attended WPI and graduated from Worcester Junior College.
Harry served his country proudly during the Cold War in Germany. After returning home from Germany, he was employed as a manager at Friendly’s. He then owned and operated the Imperial Deli in Worcester for 12 years before taking a position with Marriott Catering working at Norton Company for over 20 years. He later worked as a manager for Corporate Chef for 12 years.
Harry had volunteered for several years through the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program in Worcester. In 2013, hedonated his time and money to the Worcester Senior Center to establish the Der Harootunian Family Recreation Room for Pool Players and Non-Players alike. He also enjoyed his daily walks and loved helping and caring for the summer home in Ogunquit, Maine. He was a true Patriots and Celtics fan.
He leaves his loving companion of 27 years, Pamela J. Osborn of Shrewsbury; two nephews, Ronald S. Davagian of Florida and Bryan P. Davagian of Worcester; and a grandnephew, Scott Davagian, and grandniece, Heather Beams, both of Connecticut. He was predeceased by two sisters, Susie Kasparian of Rhode Island and Sharkey Davagian of Paxton.
Calling hours for friends and relatives will be held Wednesday, Jan. 4, from 10-11 a.m., in the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main St., Shrewsbury. A funeral service will follow at noon at the Armenian Church of Our Saviour, 87 Salisbury St., Worcester. Burial will be private at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Armenian Church of Our Saviour, 87 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609 or to the Jewish Healthcare-Hospice, 629 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609.
