Stephen Kevorkian

Stephen Kevorkian, 94, of New Britain, died Tuesday, August 30, 2011. Born in New Britain, he was the son of the late Harry and Mary Kevorkian. Steve attended school in New Britain and Miami Florida. He graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering and accepted a position with Westinghouse Electric Corp. as supervising Field Service Engineer and "trouble shooter." During WWII Steve was sent to the west coast to work in US Naval shipyards to work on the Navy fleet along with all allied ships "trouble shooting," supervising all repairs on main propulsion units (steam turbines, reduction gears, generators) and all auxiliary equipment. After the war Steve was sent by Westinghouse to Chicago district, Atlanta district and New England districts on various assignments in industrial and electric power plants. He was then assigned to the New York District. Steve was asked by Westinghouse Co. if he would accept foreign assignments, which he readily did. His first foreign assignment was to Aruba. In 1948 he was sent to France to supervise the erection and placing into service a large power generating plant for Charbonage de France. He then had assignments in Mexico, Venezuela and Cuba where the first all turbine drive sugar mill in the industry was made. In 1951 he went back to France to place a second power station into service. Steve then went to Italy and then to Spain where he supervised the erection of a power plant for a mining operation in the northern part of Spain. In 1953 and 1954 he was sent to Kuwait, where he supervised the erection and placing into service the then largest salt water desalination plant in the world (1 million gallons a day) and a large electric power plant for the Sheik of Kuwait. Steve loved all sports, especially bowling and golf. He enjoyed deep sea fishing and scuba diving, but bowling was his sport. He still bowled after the age of 91 and amazed people that he could still "throw a good ball" at 91. Steve will be missed by all that knew him, especially friends in the bowling community. He was a life member of Theta Zi, working in a major utility co. and many industries throughout the United States. Steve was a member of St. Stephens Armenian Apostolic Church, New Britain. Surviving are his brother Arthur H. Kevorkian, his sisters Shirley Kevorkian and Susanne Kochunas, a sister-in-law Virginia Kevorkian, his nephews Arthur and Mark, his nieces Patti, Valerie, Gina, Michele and Stephanie and many grand nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Michael Kevorkian. Funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 am at St. Stephen's Armenian Apostolic Church. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Stephen's Armenian Apostolic Church, 167 Tremont St., New Britain, CT 06051 or a charity of the donor's choice. Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.