Roupen Gureghian

June 23, 1936 – February 26, 2026

It is with heavy hearts and rhythmic memories that we announce the passing of our beloved patriarch, who left us peacefully, surrounded by his family  on February 26, 2026, at the age of 89. He was a man of deep soul, sharp wit, and a legendary mustache that was as much a part of him as his kindness.

Born with music in his bones, he spent his formative teenage years as a talented clarinet player for the Armenian Gomidas Band. Those early days on stage defined much of his spirit; he remained light on his feet throughout his entire life, always ready to lead a dance or brighten a room. To know him was to recognize his unmistakable, raspy voice that signaled a joke, a story, or a heartfelt word was on the way.

While he was a performer at heart, his greatest roles were those of husband, father, and "Pop & Poppy." He was the steady anchor for his devoted wife and his loving daughters, teaching them through examples of what it means to live with joy and resilience.

His legacy continues through:

His loving wife Margaret (Injaian) better known as Marge

His two daughters Victoria (Dave Foster) and Pamela (preceded in death Robert Newman)

His grandsons, as he called them his “boyigs” ,  Nicholas Stephen (Katie), William Roupen and Edward Haig who held a special place in his heart.

His great-grandson Talin Crue was born on Christmas day

 His loving brother, Khachadoor (Madeline Dirasian), with whom he shared a lifetime of memories and not a day went by that they didn’t speak.

Preceded in death, his parents, Arakel and Victoria, his bonus parents, Krikor and Arshalous and his “sisters”, Susan Vosbikian (James) and Dolores Bahian (John), as we imagine they are already catching up over music and laughter and a lot of choreg and cheese.

Beyond his immediate family, Roupen leaves behind a vibrant village of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends who were the heartbeat of his social life.

He was "loved by all “a phrase often used, but in his case, it was the absolute truth. Whether he was playing the clarinet, dancing at a family wedding, or simply sitting with his family, or a stranger, he did it with a presence that was impossible to ignore and will be impossible to forget.

Friends and family are welcome to attend his viewing from 10am to 12 noon, Wednesday, 3-4-2026, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church, 8701 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, Pa 19128.  His funeral service will follow at 12 noon in the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church, or Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roupen Gureghian, please visit our floral store.