George P. ''Doc'' Simonian, Sr.

George P. ''Doc'' Simonian Sr., 86, of New Britain, died Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2003 at Connecticut Hospice in Branford. He was the husband of the late Alyce Sargis Simonian who died Jan. 25, 2002. Born in New Britain, he was the son of the late Peter and Alice Gostigian Simonian. He was a life-long New Britain resident, attended local schools graduating from New Britain High School, in the class of 1934. During World War II, he was employed at Pratt & Whitney and later at New Britain Hall. George was well known in the area as a maitre d', at Bagdad Restaurant in Farmington, Johnny's Restaurant in Forestville, and later at Avon Old Farms Restaurant. He was a member and former Trustee of the Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection, and was a member of Elks Lodge #957 in New Britain. George's greatest joys after retirement included playing pinochle at the Elks Lodge with his friends and Sunday dinners with his grandchildren followed by lively and loud games of setback. Surviving are two sons, George P. Simonian Jr. of New Britain and Peter Simonian of Florida; three grandchildren, Rebecca Anne Simonian, Elizabeth Louise Murphy, and George Peter Simonian III; a great-grandson, Andrew Simonian; and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. In addition to his wife Alyce, he was predeceased by two brothers, Edward Simonian and Donald Simonian, and by two sisters, Mary Kizirbohosian and Jouhar Simonian DerMargosian. Funeral services will be held Friday at 11:00 AM at the Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery. Calling hours are Thursday today from 6-8 PM at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 411 S. Main St., with a prayer service conducted at 7:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405.