Paul Arakelian

Whitinsville-Paul Arakelian, 95, passed peacefully, Sunday, March 12, in the presence of his loving family.  He leaves his wife of  55 years, Dorothy (Atamian) Arakelian, son John Arakelian and daughter Karen Cullen, all of Whitinsville; a sister, Mary Berberian, of Northborough; two grandchildren, Alex and Shawna Cullen and 4 great grandchildren, Hailie, Hunter, Zoey and Anais, and many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by  brothers Archie and Moses and sister Lucy Kanarian.

A lifelong resident of Whitinsville, he was born February 19, 1922, a son of Serop and Nectar (Berejikian) Arakelian.  He graduated from Northbridge High School in 1940 and served in the US Navy during World War II aboard the USS Denver.  He worked for many years alongside his father at Arakelian’s Market, the family store, on East Street. In the late 1950’s, Mr. Arakelian became the owner, keeping the market in the family for nearly 100 years.  “Pauly’s”, as the market was more commonly known, was famous for the penny candy counter, making the store a popular before and after school destination for generations of kids.  Many customers would return years later with their own children to share the experience of  Pauly’s penny candy.

Mr. Arakelian was an avid sports fan and enjoyed playing cards.  He was a member of the Armenian Youth Federation. A  founding member of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Whitinsville, he served on the first board of Trustees and sang in the choir

Calling Hours are Saturday, March 18, from 9-10:30 in the Armenian Apostolic Church, followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00.  Burial is in Pine Grove Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Armenian Apostolic Church, 315 Church St., Whitinsville, MA 01588.