George P Semerjian

GEORGE P. SEMERJIAN 

George was born on March 4, 1937, in Philadelphia Pennsylvania from his parents Boghos and Lousaper (Selverian) Semerjian who were both genocide survivors from Arapkir.

George was the youngest of his siblings. Tommy being the eldest brother, Sarkis (Annette Baronian) Semerjian. He is survived by his wife Ani (Papazian) Semerjian, his two sons David and his wife (Lisa Hanamirian) Semerjian, the younger son Mark, Ani (Bagdasarian) Semerjian, grandchildren Lauren, Amanda, Noemie and Armen, niece Florence, nephew Paul (Nancy Wilkerson) Semerjian

George was a very humble and honest person and always wanted to help his family and friends. He was a loving husband to Ani who he was happily married to for 58 years (1964). He was a wonderful father who helped both sons start their respective building companies. He adored his grandchildren and enjoyed all of their special moments with them.

When George was young, he lost his father when he was just 14 years old. He lived with his mother during his teenage years and attended Overbrook high school where he was a key member of the football team. After he had graduated high school, he began working at Frankford Arsenal where he had an apprenticeship as a tool and die maker. While he was at Frankford Arsenal in 1959, George enrolled in the Army reserve. Following his apprenticeship, George enrolled at Drexel University for two years.  He started his first job at Westinghouse in Lester, PA where he worked on mechanical turbines. While working full-time at Westinghouse he enrolled and paid for his remaining education at Widener University for mechanical engineering. Although it took six years, he was determined to obtain his college diploma and graduated in 1969.

George was an active member of the St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic church in Philadelphia he was an active member of the Men’s Club and Board of Trustees. He was a member of the Board of Trustees at the Armenian Sisters Academy in Radnor Pennsylvania and also was a 50 year member of the Masonic Temple, Hiram and Mitchell Lodge #0081.

George was a very handy and creative man. His creativity became his craft after he left Westinghouse in 1980 when he started his own custom building company. As the years progressed, his talents became evident in every one of his custom homes.  With his experience in drafting and mechanical engineering background he was designing and building large custom homes that would typically display unique and creative details.

Twelve years ago, George was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and surprisingly up until four years ago he was determined to work and stay active. Ironically the last house he built, at the age of 80,  was one of the largest and most elaborate houses in his career. His determination was so strong that he was out on the job site daily with a walker and a cane to manage and supervise every detail.

George loved to travel, eat good food and spend time with family and friends. You would often see him playing tavloo (backgammon) at the community center or with his sons and grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday October 22nd at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church at 8701 Ridge Avenue Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19128.

Visitation: 9:00 am – 11:00 am followed by the Funeral Service.

Burial Services at Arlington Cemetery 2900 State Road, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania 19026

Donations can be made to: St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church at 8701 Ridge Avenue Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19128 – or by following this link:  https://www.shelbygiving.com/App/Form/9ac2e5ce-0867-420c-86cc-4029547b7734

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