Joseph Andre Garabedian

Dr. Joseph Andre Garabedian, Sr., 77, of Norristown, PA, died peacefully on September 19th, 2022, surrounded by family, following complications from surgery. A brilliant musician, accomplished doctor, devoted husband, father, and Babig - and faithful Armenian Catholic.

Andre was born on May 11, 1945 in Latakia, Syria to survivors of the Armenian Genocide,  Simon and Leonie (Tutundjian) Garabedian. Andre grew up in Latakia and Damascus and graduated from medical school at Damascus University in 1973. In his youth, he was an accomplished concert pianist and composer. He was multi-talented, singing in multiple languages and spoke six of them fluently. Andre moved to the US after medical school and settled in Pennsylvania where he practiced medicine for over 40 years. 

Andre ( known as Dr. G to many ) dedicated his life to his family, patients, and his community. He played the organ every Sunday morning in his beloved St. Mark’s Armenian Catholic Church in Haverford, PA. He was always proud of his Armenian heritage. He was known for his warm smile, gentle caring nature, zest for knowledge, selflessness, and of course, eyebrows.  

Andre was preceded in death by his father Simon and his mother Leonie. He is survived by his wife Virginia (née Fala), sisters Sonia and Lili (Tacvor), children Simone (Jerry), Andre (Beth), and Marc (Meghan), his grandchildren Andre III, Bennett, Jack, and Wilma, and his beloved nieces and nephews. He will also be profoundly missed by the entire Philadelphia Armenian community, of which he was a steadfast leader for many decades.

His funeral service will be held on Saturday October 1st, 2022 at St. Mark's Armenian Catholic Church. Closed casket viewing from 9am - 11am and full Armenian mass and funeral to follow. 400 Haverford Rd, Wynnewood, PA 19096.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to St Mark’s Armenian Catholic Church or Armenian Sister’s Academy. 

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