SOOREN GOZMANIAN, age 97, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2022, at home surrounded by the love of his family. Sooren was born December 12, 1924, in Highland Park, Michigan, the son of Hampar and Seranoush Gozmanian.
At the age of 4, he and his family moved to New York City, where he lived until the age of 18. After high school he returned to Michigan and enlisted in the Army-Air Force, serving England & France in World War II as an MP. Upon his return from the war, he attended Wayne State University, earning his Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and was a Registered Professional Engineer.
He began his career at Burroughs Corporation, moved on to the Dearborn, Troy and Ann Arbor Public Schools. Ending his career at Oakland Community College where he built the Southfield, Royal Oak and Highland Lake campuses, as Director of Facilities & Construction.
In 1951, Sooren married his loving wife, Margaret Gozmanian and was blessed with three children; Debi, Gary and Sara.
He was a dedicated and active member of St. John Armenian Church for over 75 years, and was a member of the choir for over 50 years. He also served on the Parish Council, was Chairman of the A.G.B.U. Alex Manoogian School Board and chaired numerous other church events.
In his last days, he was lovingly attended to by his caregivers Vina, Carol, Jackie, Michelle and Kelly, who he adored. Sooren went through life with his heart and smile first. He had a passion for his family, friends and his Armenian heritage. He was an eternal optimist, always young at heart, and would often be found sneaking a dessert. A life well lived!
FAMILY MEMBERS
Beloved husband of Margaret Gozmanian, loving father of Debi (John) Green, Gary Gozmanian and Sara Gozmanian. Proud grandfather of, Ben Green and Marlee (Nick) Bresso and great grandfather to Brooke, Emerson and Benjamin Bresso. Sooren will also be missed by his brother in-law Harold Bjornstad, sister in-law Maryann Artinian, nieces Julie Artinian, Kara (Donald) Cunningham and nephew Michael (Pinel) Artinian, David Hocker, Nariman Youssef, Wafaa Elmy, Mohamed Elmy, Horia Elmy and Elmi Faek, and many friends.
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS
Visitation Sunday 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., with prayers at 6:30 p.m. at A.J. Desmond Funeral home 32515 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, MI 48073. In state Monday 10:00 AM to 11:00AM, with Funeral service at 11:00AM and Military Honors at 12 Noon in St. John Armenian Church 22001 Northwestern Hwy, Southfield. MI 48075. Interment in Woodlawn Cemetery.
MEMORIALS
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to: St. John Armenian Church, A.G.B.U School or Komitas Choir.
CONDOLENCES
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THANK YOU
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