John J. Markarian

John Jacob Markarian Jr. was born on May 2, 1922 in Malden, MA. His parents John J. Markarian, Sr. and Virginia Markarian lived in Watertown where John and his older brother Joseph were raised.

At an early age John showed an ability in music and began taking piano lessons, at first from his encouraging mother. After graduating from Watertown High School in 1940, John enrolled at Boston University where he continued his music studies and was elected Class President his first two years.

World War II interrupted his college study for about 3 years and after receiving an Honorable Discharge he returned from active duty in Europe to marry Helen Bourgoujian in 1946 and continue study at BU. While at BU from 1946-1948 he performed as Concert Pianist at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. In 1947 he received his Bachelor of Music degree from BU and started his career in music education in the Dover Public Schools in 1947 and in Westwood in 1948. In 1951 he received his Master of Music Education from BU and began working full time in the Westwood Public Schools as Director of Music.

In addition to working in the schools he gave piano lessons, he conducted the Dover-Westwood Choral Society from ’48-’57, he conducted two local church choirs between ’47 and ’53 and conducted the N.E. Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing Choir from 1957 to 1988.

During his years in Westwood he formed music groups for students at all levels and was able to attract large numbers of students to join the Chorus, Boys Glee Club, Girls Glee Club, Marching Band, Drill Team, Concert Band, Orchestra and Double Quartet. His personality and enthusiasm enabled many students to experience music performance for the first time and participate alongside those who had prior musical training and experience. Through the years Westwood Music groups grew in size and earned numerous awards, accolades and notoriety in recognition for outstanding achievement at various competitions.

John’s reputation grew as well. In 1957 he was named Teacher of the Week by WBZ-TV; In 1959 he was Massachusetts All-State Chorus Manager; In 1960 he was Adjudicator for the Fall River Solo Festival; in 1964, Guest Conductor for the Central Mass District Chorus; In 1965 Guest Conductor for the Newton All City Chorus; In 1965-1967 Southeastern District Chairman, Mass. Music Educators Association (MMEA); 1969 Member-at-Large MMEA Executive Board; 1971 Eastern U. S. Coordinator, American Youth Performs; 1971 Conference Chairman MMEA; 1973-1975 President MMEA; 1976 Received MMEA Distinguished Service Award; 1971-1979 Board of Directors Mass. Youth Wind Ensemble.

Throughout the years he was guided by the gift of his talent and a love for teaching. After his retirement in 1984 he was honored when the Westwood High School Music Room was dedicated in his name.

During retirement he became active in the Westwood Rotary Club and served as President for a time and although his participation decreased in recent years he always considered himself honored to be part of such a worthwhile organization.

While he was always busy with his music, John was devoted to his family and always found time for his parents John and Virginia, his loving wife Helen, and his son Bob and daughter Nadine. There were family gatherings at home and family vacations to New Hampshire, Maine and Cape Cod. He enjoyed seeing his family grow when Bob married Claire and Nadine married Rob. He became a grandfather to John, his wife Kristen, Craig, his wife Julie, Emily, her husband Tom and Natalie; and a proud Papa to his great children Jack, Ryan and Madeline. Holidays were always special at the Markarians particularly with Grampa passing out gifts as Santa Claus each Christmas.

Visiting hours for John will be held Wednesday, August 13th from 4 to 8 PM at the Folsom Funeral Home, 649 High Street, Westwood.  Services and interment will be private.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Westwood Rotary Club, PO Box 795, Westwood MA 02090