George S. Yacoubian, Sr. Dies

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YacoubianObitBROOMALL, Penn. — George S. Yacoubian, Sr., 79, of Broomall died on February 29, at his home, surrounded by his family, after a lengthy struggle with pancreatic cancer.

Born in 1936 in Philadelphia to Armenian Genocide survivors, he was a graduate of Lansdowne-Aldan High School, Class of 1955, the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science, Class of 1959, and also served in the Army Reserves.

He married Claire Margaret Yacoubian in 1967, had two children, George S. Yacoubian, Jr. and Kim A. Yacoubian, and built a successful life for himself and his family, residing in Broomall for 46 years.

After managing Ithan Pharmacy in Villanova for several years, he realized his dream to purchase his own pharmacy and operated Coulson’s Pharmacy in Havertown from 1976 to 1999. Seeing his employees and customers as extended family, he worked tirelessly six days a week at the “store” to provide excellent service and care.

He donated his time and resources throughout his lifetime, leaving a legacy of philanthropic and leadership activities within the community.

Demonstrating his passion for his Armenian culture, he held numerous executive positions in Armenian organizations. A member of the Knights of Vartan for 36 years, George was elected Grand Commander of the organization in 2002. He served as the Philadelphia Branch President for the Armenian Students’ Association, as well as Central Executive Committee President, and, for 27 years, a member of the Board of Trustees, including four terms as Chairman. He was Philadelphia AGBU Chairman for 19 years, a Fellow Trustee of the Armenian Assembly, the founding Treasurer of the Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief (SOAR), and an ongoing contributor to the Armenian Mirror Spectator publication.

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George also dedicated his time serving as president of the Haverford Township Club of Rotary International, and volunteering for Meals on Wheels with his wife.

Reserved and unpretentious, George was dutiful in his role as a family man – a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. A steadfast provider for his family and community, he shared his success freely with others and was financially generous to a fault, helping many to realize their dreams. He loved history, politics, the beach, traveling, playing backgammon, and was a voracious reader and writer. A man of few words and simple pleasures, he was happiest, and will fondly be remembered, smoking his cigar sitting in the sun while working on a crossword puzzle (in pen) and listening to the ball game on AM radio.

He is survived by his wife Margaret, of 48 years; son George; daughter Kim; daughter-in-law Erica; and grandchildren Liliana, Sophie, and Tessa.

The funeral was held on March 3, with a funeral service at St. Sahag & St. Mesrob Armenian Church, Wynnewood, and burial at Arlington Cemetery, Drexel Hill.

 

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