Sarkis Minas Sarkisian

FRAMINGHAM – Sarkis Minas Sarkisian, 93, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 19, 2025.

Sarkis was predeceased by his loving wife, Elsie, with whom he shared 60 wonderful years of marriage, as well as by his sister Mary Dostoomian and brother-in-law Hutchie Dostoomian of Stoughton, Mass.

A true patriarch, Sarkis is survived by his four children: Sarkis M. Sarkisian II of Natick (Kim); David M. Sarkisian of New Albany, OH (Susan); M. Robert Sarkisian of Nantucket; and Julie S. Milner of Littleton, MA (Darrin). He also leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren: Skyler D. Sarkisian, Dylan M. Sarkisian, Sydney E. Sarkisian, Allison P. Sarkisian, Samuel M. Sarkisian, Andrew M.R. Milner, and Zachary P.S. Milner. Sarkis will be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, dear friends, and neighbors.

He also leaves behind his best friend, “brother,” co-worker, and neighbor, Stanley Glista, affectionately known as Uncle Stan, whose friendship and loyalty spanned decades.

Born in Roxbury and raised in Dorchester, Sarkis was proud of his Boston roots and often spoke fondly of growing up in his family’s beautiful three-family home on Trull Street. He graduated from Boston Trade School before serving his country in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. He was honorably discharged after suffering significant hearing loss during service.

Following his military service, Sarkis worked for Sturdy Lantern Sheet Metal Company in South Boston alongside his cousins. A gifted musician, he played in the band of “King of Armenian Swing” Artie Barsamian, delighting audiences across the Armenian-American community from coast to coast. His music brought joy, energy, and dancing wherever he performed.

In 1962, Sarkis married Elsie, and together they made their home first in Dorchester, then in Natick, where they raised their family. He and Elsie cultivated a vibrant garden that produced vegetables shared generously with neighbors.

Across the street from their home, Sarkis created a full basketball court for his children and their friends—a gathering place for play, laughter, and friendship. He would often tend to his garden nearby, quietly watching the games unfold from a distance. It was part of his silent love, expressed not through words, but through the care and spaces he built for others to enjoy.

Through the GI Bill, Sarkis earned an associate degree from Wentworth Institute and a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University, attending night classes while working full-time. His career began at Sanborn Company in 1959, which later became part of Hewlett-Packard’s Medical Products Division in Waltham. Over 37 years, Sarkis contributed to the development of groundbreaking medical technologies—including bedside monitoring, telemetry, the first fetal monitor, and one of the earliest portable defibrillators for emergency medical services. Known for his precision, commitment, and integrity, Sarkis worked closely with research and manufacturing teams to deliver exceptional products to healthcare providers worldwide. His professional relationships often became lifelong friendships.

A devoted father, Sarkis volunteered as a Little League and Pop Warner Football coach, meticulously documenting every game in handwritten play-by-play accounts. At season’s end, each player received a personalized notebook of those records—a treasured keepsake of their youth. Years later, he collaborated with fellow musician Dick Flutie on the Heisman Trophy Brochure for Doug Flutie. In the Natick community, Sarkis served on the Lighting Committee to fund lights for Memorial Field in the early 1980s and later chaired the committee that added wireless communications facilities to the First Congregational Church steeple—projects that enhanced both church accessibility and the town streetscape.

A proud Freemason, Sarkis was a Past Master of Gate of the Temple Lodge in Boston and a Master Mason for more than 50 years. His wife Elsie served as Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, where Sarkis also served as Worthy Patron and Chaplain.

In 2001, Sarkis and Elsie joined the Armenian Church of the Holy Translators in Framingham, becoming “Godparents” of the Church at its consecration in 2003. Sarkis gave freely of his time and talents—painting, repairing, cutting meat for church picnics, and baking mahs (holy bread) alongside Elsie.

He cherished time on Cape Cod and especially Nantucket Island, where he and his son Robert designed and built custom Nantucket Beach Chairs. A skilled craftsman, Sarkis also built furniture for his family’s Natick home and helped his son Sarkis II build his own home in Natick.

To escape the New England winters, Sarkis and Elsie spent many happy years in Bonita Springs, Florida, where they formed lifelong friendships and made cherished memories. After every New England Patriots Super Bowl victory, Sarkis could be seen—and heard—driving through the neighborhood, cigar in hand, horn honking, celebrating with joy. It was a continuation of a lifelong fandom that began nearly fifty years earlier as a Boston Patriots season ticket holder at Fenway Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sarkis’s memory may be made to the Armenian Church of the Holy Translators.  Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 24th at the Armenian Church of the Holy Translators in Framingham, Visitation from 10- 11 am, Service begins at 11:00 am. A luncheon to follow at La Cantina, Framingham. Private burial will take place on Saturday, October 25th.

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