Gregory Robert Krikorian, 87, of Lowell, MA, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2024 after a brief stay at High Pointe Hospice House in Haverhill, MA. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Joanne (Wilson) Krikorian who passed away on March 4, 1992.
Born in Lowell, MA, Gregory was the son of Gregory B. and Margaret (Jacobs) Krikorian. He graduated from Morey Junior High School in 1952 and went on to further his education at Massachusetts Trade Shop Schools majoring as a Radio Technician in 1955 and then at Lowell Technological Institute completing a certificate program in Machine Shop Practice. He then served in the 182nd infantry of the US Army in Camp Drum NY from 1956-1963.
Gregory retired in 1992 after 27 years of dedicated service with the Lowell Fire Department, where he served as the driver of both Ladder 3 and Engine 3 at the downtown station. Some notable achievements during his service include the response and rescue mission at the Christmas Eve Mill Complex blaze in 1977; Firefighter of the year award in 1979 and a special letter of commendation in 1982 for administering life saving efforts.
He was also a communicant at Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church in Chelmsford, MA, and a lifetime member of the Dracut Sportsman Club.
An active and engaged individual, Greg enjoyed exercising at Best Fitness in Chelmsford, diligently cleaning his car, food shopping, spending time with his family and getting into trouble with his lifelong best friend Ralph Carnevale of Chelmsford.
He is survived by his son, Gregory and his wife Sharon Krikorian of Dracut, MA; his daughter, Lisa Krikorian and her husband Robert Iannuzzo of Lowell, MA; his granddaughter, Ava Iannuzzo; his sister, Carol and her husband Kenneth Hagopian of Watertown, MA; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brother, James Krikorian.
FUNERAL NOTICE
Visiting hours Tues., Nov. 26, 2024 from 10-11AM at MORSE-BAYLISS FUNERAL HOME, 122 PRINCETON BLVD., LOWELL, MA followed by a service at 11AM and procession to Westlawn Cemetery in Lowell, MA. ARRANGEMENTS BY MORSE-BAYLISS FUNERAL HOME 978-458-6841. Guestbook at www.morsebaylissfuneralhome.com
In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Hidden Battles Foundation at https://www.hiddenbattlesfoundation.org/support/
18 responses to “Gregory Robert Krikorian of Lowell, MA”
My deepest sympathy to you and your family my old friend
Mr. K. always welcomed us into his home and family. We will miss him very much.
My sincere condolences to Greg’s family. Greg had a big laugh and a big heart. RIP my friend.
Some of my treasured memories are of Mr K and his generosity sharing his family with us. Everyone was welcome, and you were always guaranteed a lively time. Thank you Mr K for everything! My profound condolences and prayers are with you all.
Our long conversations at the gym, the great stories you told when you were on Ladder 3 will remain with me during this life time. Thank you for being a great friend, I will miss you forever Greg!
Uncle I Love you and miss you so much already. without a shadow of a doubt. I’ll be there for our family and i will be with you always an forever in heart God bless you and all you’ve love and I am greatful for the many blessings we have shared together as a family. Thank you for all you’ve done for us and the public. I pray your peace in the loving arms of the Lord forever. Amen
Greg’s booming voice, and bigger personality made coming to work each day a pleasure! He was a unique person with a big heart and kind soul. Rest in Peace my friend!
Greg, you were more than a cousin to me, more like a big brother. I’ll always remember our fun times growing up and our phone conversations over the years. Till we meet again rest in peace!
Just so sorry for your loss….
So many memories of growing up and visits you all made to the farm. Keep your focus on our Lord, and we will all meet on the other side.. hugs to all..🙏
Greg and I have been friends since 1964. He was a close friend of my husband Gerry and would visit us in Florida every Feb. in Florida. We had many good times and lots of laughs. Joanne and his family Lisa and Greg jr meant the world to him. I am so sorry about his passing…..love to his family. Karen Flynn McCabe
Greg and Lisa so sorry to hear about your Dad my condolences to you both and your families
Greg and Lisa so sorry for your loss of your Dad .I loved talking and laughing with him every time I saw him at the gym he loved the both of you so much and was proud of you. He was just a class act
Greg and Lisa so sorry for your loss of your Dad .I loved talking and laughing with him every time I saw him at the gym he loved the both of you so much and was proud of you. He was just a class act
Always the kindest, sweetest man in the room you made everyone feel welcome and a pleasure to talk too…
My heart goes out to the family xo
My thoughts and prayers are with your family Greg. Enjoyed working the back step on Engine 3 with you and Frank. Rest in pease my friend.
Dear Greg and Lisa,
You have my heartfelt condolences. It was obvious how deeply you loved your Dad and how much he loved you both. Your mutual devotion to your Dad is admirable and is an example of what “Honor thy Mother and thy Father” really means. As a first cousin, I’ve known your Dad my entire life. In my eyes, he was the “giant” of the family– not only because of his 6’4″ height and muscular body, but also his strong voice, hearty laugh, and huge heart of gold. He was a warm, loving person and always greeted me with a big hug. I remember him often arriving late for Sunday dinners at his Mom’s house and devouring a large bowl of salad. (I could not believe how he could eat it all with such gusto!) His discipline for physical fitness was amazing and inspirational. Recently we would speak on the phone to catch up with each other’s lives. Greg had strong opinions about many topics, and his humor was priceless. Now that booming, jovial voice has been silenced on earth~ but NOT in heaven! The Holy Spirit provides us understanding, comfort, and faith. Greg’s spirit is finally reunited with his beloved wife Joanne after physically separating due to her death 32 years ago. She was truly the love of his life. He is also being greeted by his loving parents, brother Jim, and many uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends who had previously passed. Though there are several joyous celebrations for Greg in heaven, there is profound sadness from his loved ones whom he had to temporarily leave on earth. Lisa and Greg, my heart goes out to you. I’m holding you both, along with Ava, Carol, Ken, David and other family members, in my healing prayers at this very difficult time. We will be together with Greg again in God’s time. Until then, let us rejoice that he is soaring high in our Lord’s loving presence!
With Love,
Cousin Beverly
Dad… Father, friend, the calm in a storm, protagonist, my verbal sparring partner, hero, and the heart of our family. We love you with our whole hearts. We will miss you forever.
Be at peace in God’s grace reunited with Mom and our family. We will meet again on the other side. Until then, never forget how much we love you.
Greg
Eulogy for Dad Nov 26, 2024
Hello and thank you for joining us to honor the life of Gregory Krikorian.
My name is Sharon; I am young Greg’s wife.
I was introduced to Greg back in 1995 through a friend of a friend and without hesitation; I was welcomed into a close circle of varied colorful characters. It was as if I had instantly found my tribe and a place where I belonged.
That was 29 years ago.
It’s hard to believe that much time has passed. Time is like that though, we think we have an abundance of it yet; I quote a song lyric here that I love that says :
Some may come and some may go
He will surely pass
When the one that left us here
Returns for us at last
We are but a moment’s sunlight
Fading in the grass
I remember going to Greg’s house for the first time, an old two-family house in Lowell full of history that exuded warmth and lingering scents of a lot of good food. His Grandmother,a phenomenal cook, and Uncle lived upstairs. My first thought was that it was a bit strange that there was a big orange couch and TV in the kitchen but very quickly it became obvious that that’s where all the action was and where family gathered. It seems perfectly normal to me now and I wonder why this isn’t in every kitchen.
Meeting Greg’s Dad was a little intimidating. He was a big man with a booming voice and a larger-than-life presence. I thought that I sure wouldn’t want him mad at me but all fears were put to rest very rapidly. He was as warm and inviting as his home and everyone that walked into that kitchen was considered family.
He loved when we were all there just hanging out, loved the company and to hear what was going on in our lives. He’d often say; “what are you kids up to now?” because it was always shenanigans. He always worried about our well being when we left to go anywhere, whether it was on an adventure filled vacation or just to a restaurant down the street. “Be careful out there’ he’d say; “love you guys.”
In 1998, Greg and I became more than friends. His Dad was very happy for us but he also let us find our own way in this new relationship. I spent a lot of time at the house with the two Greg’s. So much so that my own Dad was jealous of that time but he understood; we were growing together and he had to let me explore this new development.
In 2002, my Dad passed away without warning. He was 66, I was 34 and completely unprepared for this tragic loss. I was a walking, raw, broken-heart and Greg’s Dad in that moment offered welcoming arms and the strength I needed to pull myself back together. Somehow, he knew just what to do. Which was to let me grieve but be there to lean on.
It took me a little while, but one father’s day I gave him a card.
Hallmark didn’t have the words but I did. I asked if it was alright if I called him Dad?
That title I held dearly for only one man, I offered now to another.
He gave me the biggest hug and said it would be an honor. He said he already thought of me as one of his kids.
I was his Sharon.
It wasn’t until 2014 that I became his daughter-in-law officially. That was quite a celebration to remember. It was then that I truly became a Krikorian; and obligated to have to spell my last name out for the rest of my days.
K R I- K O R- I A N. With that name came quite a legacy and a history of Armenia that I would come to know through his stories. An interesting coincidence worthy of mentioning; my parents Gordon and Bernice Scott and Greg’s parents Greg and Joanne Krikorian were married on the same day, October 17, 1965.
In 2019, He again stepped in as the strong father-figure I needed when my mother passed away in North Carolina.
Even from that distance I could feel his love and concern for me and his arms surrounding me.
I honestly can’t remember a time when he wasn’t there.
I have truly been blessed in this life with the love of two fathers. Not everyone can say that.
I will honor him by remembering his love for me and gathering the strength he often said I have inside me.
I will celebrate his life by telling his story every chance I get, and I will continue to carry his name with pride.