FORT LEE, N.J. — Missak Haigentz, beloved father, brother, scholar, attorney, writer, editor, and devoted advocate for Armenian culture and heritage, passed away on October 17.
Born Missak Kupelian on August 19, 1937, he lost his father, Haig, at a young age, an experience that shaped his lifelong sense of responsibility, perseverance, and devotion to family. As a writer, he adopted the pen name Haigentz in honor of his father and his Armenian heritage, later making it his legal surname.
The first member of his family to immigrate to the United States, Haigentz dedicated his life to education, scholarship, and service. As editor of Nor Or, a leading Armenian-language newspaper, and through decades of leadership and service with the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), he helped preserve and promote Armenian culture, history, literature, and identity throughout the Armenian diaspora.
As a Trustee of the Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Fund, he oversaw the publication of more than one hundred books devoted to Armenian history, culture, and literature. Following a distinguished career in community service, he pursued a second career in law, fulfilling his lifelong commitment to learning.
Haigentz was a fixture of the Fort Lee, New Jersey community, where he resided for nearly sixty years. Affectionately known to many as “Mike,” he preferred personal interaction and remained a familiar presence throughout town, visiting local businesses, meeting friends, and conducting daily life face-to-face despite the growing reliance on technology. He was known for his warmth, curiosity, and genuine interest in others.
Committed to a healthy and disciplined lifestyle, he exercised regularly well into his later years and often attributed his longevity to good health habits, moderation, and staying active. He took great pride in his family and friends and found particular satisfaction in encouraging others, especially his son, to pursue education, leadership, and service. In his later years, he enjoyed reading, writing, reflection, and time spent with those closest to him.
