BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. — Ara Garabed Belian passed away on January 14, 2025. He was born on June 19, 1971, in Detroit. As the eldest of three siblings, he shared a close bond with his sister, Lisa and younger brother, Raffi. Ara graduated from Andover High School in Bloomfield Hills in 1989 and also completed his studies at St. John Armenian Church Sunday School. He was 53.
He pursued higher education at Wayne State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in art history. A few years later, he returned to obtain a second bachelor’s degree in accounting, exemplifying his diverse interests and intellectual curiosity.
Ara was deeply rooted in his Armenian heritage and a dedicated member of St. John Armenian Church. His service extended across several organizations, where he made a lasting impact. He was a respected chairman of the Men’s Society and served as treasurer for both the Fine Arts Committee and the Tekeyan Cultural Association for several years.
His contributions earned him numerous awards in recognition of his dedication and service to the community. Additionally, Ara lent his voice to the Gomidas Choir. His love for his church and community was profound, reflecting his deep pride in his cultural heritage.
Ara was passionate about travel and cherished the opportunity to immerse himself in different cultures. His most treasured journeys, however, were to his ancestral homeland of Armenia. During one memorable trip, he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Ijevan, helping construct homes and building lasting relationships. Ara’s connection to Armenia extended beyond its capital, Yerevan, to the small villages and communities he came to love.
An avid supporter of the arts, Ara served as the accountant for a startup organization called Imaginos Workshop. This venture, dedicated to creating comic books, short films, and even a feature film, was a source of great pride for him. Beyond his contributions as a member of the team, Ara became involved in drawing, writing, and acting, forging deep friendships with fellow creatives from diverse backgrounds.