Harry Takesian, 94, husband of Roberta (Gynan) Takesian, passed peacefully Friday, Feb. 3.
Born April 12, 1922, he was the son of Missack and Lydia (LeBlanc) Takesian and proud to be a first generation American. He was a star athlete at Haverhill High School and it was there that he met and fell in love with Roberta, also known as Bobbi. The couple graduated together in June, 1941, and were married the following Spring. On March 21, they would have celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary. They moved to Groveland around 1950 and raised their family, joined the Groveland Congregational Church and, among other things, raised the best tasting tomatoes in town. He kept his vegetable garden until the age of 90. He and his wife enjoyed having their small vegetable stand on Main Street and making friends who returned every summer for fresh produce.
Takesian served in the United States Army during World War II, primarily in England. Until the time of his death, he was never far away from his World War II Veteran baseball cap. He worked as a precious metals electroplater for many years with Cannon Electric and then Sanders Associates. Desiring to commute less and be closer to home, he took a job with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as the maintenance supervisor of the Veterans Memorial Ice Skating Rink in Haverhill when it was built. This position he held until his retirement. He was a member of Charles C. Dame Masonic Lodge in Georgetown for 64 years. He was also a member of the York Rite Masonic Orders including Haverhill Commandry, Scottish Rite Masonic Orders and the Aleppo Shrine. He served as a Worthy Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star for Georgetown Chapter #176. He watched as his sons became Masons, his daughter a Rainbow Girl, and many of his grandchildren became members of the Order of DeMolay, Order of the Rainbow for Girls and Order of the Eastern Star. A member of the Groveland Congregational Church for more than 65 years, he held many positions on various committees, along with the board of trustees and board of deacons. However, his greatest joy was that of Sunday School teacher. He is still remembered and acknowledged by several adults, still active in the Church, that he mentored. He also belonged to the V.F.W. and D.A.V.
Takesian moved into Haverhill Crossing Assisted Living Community in 2015 to be closer to his wife, Roberta, who had been a resident there for six months prior. He willingly left his home to be closer to his wife and have the option of seeing her every single day. Special gratitude goes to the staff, especially Thomas and Derek, from Haverhill Crossings who carefully transported Roberta to see him at Merrimack Valley Hospice House, just before his passing.
Besides his wife, Takesian is survived by his sons Harry W. and David G. Takesian; daughters and their spouses, Lynne B. and Donald Conklin and Ann H. and her husband Robert Moriarty; grandchildren, David A. Lancaster, Amos J. Lancaster, Earl S. Lancaster, Bernadette G. (Takesian) Banke, Joseph E. Takesian, Harry M. Takesian, Daniel J. Takesian, Cheryl L. (Moriarty) Thellen and Megan (Moriarty) Janvrin. He was predeceased by his first granddaughter, Amy M. Lancaster and daughter-in-law, Geraldine C. (Napolitano) Takesian. He also leaves 17 great grandchildren, sister Margie Walukevich of Haverhill, close cousin Robert Takesian and several nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Oscar, Edward and Joseph Takesian; sisters, Agnes Takesian, Violet Pelosi, Julia Small, Florence Philip, Mary Shahinian and Helen Fortin.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his calling hours Wednesday, Feb. 8, from 4 to 7 p.m. at H.L. Farmer & Sons Funeral Home, 106 Summer St., Haverhill. His funeral service is Thursday morning, Feb. 9, at 11, at the funeral home. Burial is in Riverview Cemetery, Groveland. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to The Groveland Congregational Church Music Fund 4 King Street Groveland, MA 01834 or to the Georgetown Assembly Rainbow Girls Scholarship Fund c/o Mrs. Jeanne Brown 114 So. Pleasant Street Bradford, MA 01835.