Henry Zareh Karanian

Henry Zareh Karanian, a lifelong resident of New Britain, passed away on Tuesday, October 28. He was born in New Britain 86 years ago on December 23, 1921 to the late Hovhannes and Ardemis Karanian. He is survived by his wife, Agnes Barsoian Karanian, to whom he had been happily married for 60 years. Henry was a 1940 graduate of New Britain High School. A member of the high school's 1938 State Championship football team, he played on both the offensive and defensive lines. He was a veteran of World War II, and after high school served his country in the US Army Air Corps as a meteorologist. He graduated with honors from the US Air Force Weather School and his tour of duty took him to the Far East. After serving his country, Henry attended Columbia University in NY City. He married Agnes Barsoian of Pawtucket, RI, while he was in school. With the loving support of his bride, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy. He received the Seabury and Borden Scholarships as the highest-ranking student in his graduating class. After earning his degree from Columbia, Henry returned to New Britain and became a devoted and faithful member of the community. He joined the N.B. Jaycees and was a lifelong member of St. Stephen's Armenian Apostolic Church, where he served for a decade as a member of the Board of Trustees, as Treasurer, and as a delegate to the Armenian National Convention. Henry was a pharmacist who devoted his entire career to the profession. He worked as a retail pharmacist, owning and operating the Burritt Pharmacy, a neighborhood drugstore in New Britain, for 11 years. He dedicated the last 21 years of his career to law enforcement and narcotics legislation and education. He served as a Senior Drug Control Agent with the CT Dept. of Health and later with the state's Dept. of Consumer Protection. During his service with the State of CT, he testified before the state legislature, helped write drug legislation, and educated doctors and pharmacists on drug laws and compliance issues. Henry's favorite hobby was woodworking, and he crafted many fine pieces of furniture over the years for his four children, including heirloom cradles for each of his granddaughters and a wheelbarrow for his grandson. Henry was the oldest of six brothers and is survived by Richard, Charles, Arthur, and George. His youngest brother, Walter, predeceased him. He is also survived by his four sons: Robert and daughter-in-law Andrea Karanian of Avon, William and daughter-in-law Denise Karanian of Kensington, Philip and daughter-in-law Nancy Karanian of West Hartford and Matthew Karanian of Pasadena, CA. Henry leaves his loving grandchildren: Elyssa, Justine, Jarod, Alanna, Colleen, Caroline, and Genevieve. He also leaves four sisters-in-law and many loving nieces and nephews. Calling hours are from 4-8 on Friday, Oct. 31 at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home 411 S. Main St., New Britain. Funeral services will be held on Sat., Nov. 1 at 11 a.m. at St. Stephen's Armenian Apostolic Church, 167 Tremont Street, New Britain. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to The Armenian Eyecare Project, P.O. Box 5630, Newport Beach, CA 92662 or St. Stephen's Armenian Church, 167 Tremont St., New Britain, CT 06051.