SOUTHFIELD, M.I. — Paul Peter Korian, or as some know him, Bedros Boghos, sadly left us on March 15, 2023, at the age of 78. As a dedicated and passionate husband, father, friend and mentor, Paul was both a deeply faithful servant of the church and a gregarious entrepreneur involved in business and many meaningful projects around the world.
Paul, along with his parents and two sisters, Veronica, and Sonia, came to the United States from Jerusalem in October of 1956. Born in Bethlehem to the late Bedros and Takouhi (Keuroghlanian) Korian on October 28, 1944, he graduated with honors from Northeastern University in 1969, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy.
Paul started his long and successful business career as a local pharmacist at Osco Drugs store, where he climbed quickly to company management. Paul married Anoush Dodakian in July of 1969. They started their family in Watertown and Belmont, Massachusetts and were blessed with three children, Peter, Steven, and Karen.
In 1985, Paul was approached by the late Tom Stemberg and Leo Khan to join a new business venture called Staples. Paul joined this startup as a founding member and was key to Staples’ exponential growth, worldwide recognition and becoming a Fortune 500 company. As a personal endeavor, he partnered with several friends and Armenian business colleagues to purchase, renovate, and re-launch what is known today as the Marriot Hotel Armenia. Paul and Ann also opened a travel agency which they successfully grew together, and much later he invested and advised his sons on growing an international software technology business.
Growing up in the Armenian quarter in Jerusalem had a profound impact on Paul, as he learned the importance and value of giving back to his Armenian community. Paul was an extremely active and dedicated member of St. James Armenian Apostolic Church in Watertown and served on the altar as a Deacon. Paul also served as Parish Council chairman and treasurer for more than 10 years, starting at the age of 35 years old. Paul was bestowed and decorated with the prestigious St. Nersess Shnorhali Medal for all the years of his service to the Armenian community.
Paul is survived by his wife Ann and their three children, Peter Paul, Steven Hovannes and Karen Anoush. Peter is married to Kristen Korian and has two children, Sosi and Paul. Steven has three children, Steven, Garen and Caroline and is married to Deborah Korian. Karen is married to Andrew Shoushanian and they have three children, Nadine, Martin and Zaven. All of Paul’s children and grandchildren’s lives will continue to be shaped by his charisma, teachings, and love.
