Aram S. Karakashian

Waltham – Mr. Aram S. Karakashian, of Waltham, died Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. He was 81.

Aram was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was the son of the late Aram and Dickranoohi 'Dorothy' (Babikian) Karakashian. Following his marriage to Brighton native Barbara M. Burke forty-six years ago the couple made Waltham their lifelong home.

He was a graduate of Temple University in Philadelphia where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in physics and after that attended the University of Maryland where he was awarded his doctorate degree in the same subject.

Aram enjoyed lengthy career in academia for more than forty years. A passionate physics professor at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, he loved his students as much as he loved the subject; with patience and expertise he helped thousands of students in the course of their studies.

In addition to his involvement at UMass, he was also a member of the National Association of Armenian Studies and Research for many years. Aram never left his hands or his mind idle; he was an avid reader of books of many genres including history and science and loved do-it-yourself projects.

In addition to his beloved wife, Barbara, he leaves his children, John Karakashian and Elizabeth Karakashian, both of Waltham and several nieces and nephews including Adrianne Rehak and her husband, Bill, and their children, Nicole Lobbenberg and Joshua Rehak.

Aram was also the brother of the late Shakeh 'Alice' Kazanjian.

Family and friends will honor and remember Aram's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Wednesday, July 28th from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at 11 a.m. on Thursday morning when his funeral service will be held. Burial will be in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1120, Framingham, MA 01701 or at www.cancer.org