Robert S. Nazarian Sr., of Methuen, MA passed away peacefully on April 2nd at Lawrence General Hospital with family members by his side.

He was born on November 3, 1935 to Nazalie (Parnagian) and Stephan Nazarian, both Armenian genocide survivors. He grew up in Lawrence and Methuen, MA, and graduated from Edward F. Searles High School.  He went on to earn a degree in electrical engineering from Northeastern University.  His technical expertise, together with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, would define his success and professional life.

Above all, Robert was a devoted family man.  He was married to his beautiful wife Diana for more than 67 years, affectionately calling her "My Girl".  She was always his strongest partner, supporting his many ventures throughout their life together.  He cherished his role as "Papa," finding his greatest joy in spending time with his grandchildren. He loved his home on Salisbury Beach, hosting Sunday family shish kebab dinners and his Armenian Open golf parties and reunions, always extending his generous hospitality.

Robert was a skilled watchmaker and the owner and operator of Nazarian Jewelers of NH, a family business where he applied his precision craftsmanship.  He took pride in working with his mother, brothers and cousin, making Nazarian's on Essex Street in Lawrence and Main Street in Andover neighborhood institutions. In his early business years, he also co-owned The Princeton Lounge Restaurant in Chelmsford, MA, where he enjoyed the vibrant world of hospitality as a restaurant enthusiast.  He ventured into real estate development, contributing to growth in the region.  Throughout his years as a local merchant, he took pride in raising money for many non-profit organizations, including the Greater Lawrence Community Boating Program, the Lawrence Boys and Girls Club, and the Merrimack Valley YMCA.  His charitable heart is still felt throughout the community and he continues to be remembered for his generous contributions.

Robert was an avid golfer and a proud member of both the Vesper Country Club and the Andover Country Club, where he spent many enjoyable hours on the course and playing cards with friends and fellow members.  If you could not find Bob, he was on the golf course.  He also loved his friends at Lawrence YMCA Hamblet Health Club, where he would rile up the conversation in the steam room and then disappear down to his store on Essex Street with a grinning smile.

Robert will be remembered for his dedication to his craft, his great business acumen, his love of golf and of the beach, but most deeply for the warmth and devotion he showed his wife and family.

Robert is survived by his devoted wife, Diana (Donigian) Nazarian of Methuen, MA; his 4 children, Stephen Nazarian of Methuen, MA, Robert Nazarian, Jr. of Tewksbury, MA, Deborah Nazarian-Kady and her husband Lawrence of Salisbury, MA and Jeffrey Nazarian of Haverhill, MA; his 11 grandchildren, Stephan, Laura, Christopher, Ryan, Nayiri, Ani, Janek, Levon, Neko, Cameron and Sabrina; his 2 great grandchildren, Mila and Sasha; and his brother Raymond Nazarian of Haverhill, MA, along with several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Nazalie and Stephan Nazarian and his siblings, Ara Nazarian and Marlene Aznoian.

Following Robert's wishes, there will no public calling hours.  A memorial service will be celebrated Sunday, May 17th at 1:00 PM at Holy Archangels Armenian Church, 1280 Boston Rd, Bradford, MA.

If you would like to make a memorial donation in Robert's memory, please consider Holy Archangels Armenian Church, 1280 Boston Road, Bradford, MA 01835.

Arrangements are under the care of Douglas and Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main Street,  Salem, NH.

To send a message of condolence to the family, please view the obituary at www.douglasandjohnson.com