John V. Meregian

John V. Meregian passed away peacefully at home on January 4, 2021 at the age of 81 surrounded by his loving family. Born and raised in Wilbraham, MA to the late Nishan Meregian and Anna (nee Mikaelian) Meregian, John demonstrated an intellectual curiosity and observant nature for the world around him. John was a devoted Son, Husband, Father and Grandfather who always put his family first and always sought the best for them. He will forever be remembered for the unconditional love he showed his family and life lessons he taught them. A native New Englander, John held a special love and appreciation for the Western Massachusetts area where his school years were filled with a love of soccer, Boy Scouts and working at the family business, The State Street Diner.  He was a proud Eagle Scout and cherished all that he learned and accomplished through the Boy Scouts of America. Our Dad graduated Valedictorian of his class at Wilbraham Monson Academy in 1958 and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in 1962, where he was an active member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Fraternity and Men’s Varsity Soccer Team. Upon graduating from WPI, he moved to Delaware to begin his career with Atlas Chemical and play semi-professional soccer. That same year he was set up on a blind date with Sonia Mangasarian, a fellow Armenian from Whitinsville, MA, whom he fell in love with and courted for a short nine months before marrying her in October 1963.  Together for 57 years, John and Sonia built a life of love, honor, and lots of golf!  After they were married a few years, Sonia encouraged John to continue his education. So, in 1967 John received a Master of Business Administration degree from Western New England College.  Although this was the last formal college degree John earned, he also passed tests for his Professional Engineering and Life Underwriting licenses. Our Dad was incredibly knowledgeable about a wide variety of subjects and became the quintessential lifelong learner. He always stressed the value of education and spoke about the importance of learning and being a lifelong student. During John’s professional career, he worked as an Executive in Manufacturing and Engineering for such notable companies as Monsanto Company, Atlas Chemical, Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, Colgate-Palmolive, and Xidex Corporation.  In his mid-career, he ventured into entrepreneurship by owning a transmission business, Stop N Go Transmissions, which later became known as Lee Myles Transmission. In his later career, he delved into the world of finance and became a successful Financial Planner with The MetLife Company. Our Dad was a private person who didn’t like the spotlight but had a heart of gold which was not known by many.  In fact, it was during his years of entrepreneurship and at MetLife when he often helped and advocated for people who could not otherwise afford to obtain car repair or life insurance.
Our Dad’s love for his family was rivaled only by his passion for soccer and golf.  John elevated his soccer game in the 1960s to the point where he played semi-professional soccer in the state of Delaware. After that, he traded soccer cleats for golf spikes and became an avid student of the game of golf for the remainder of his life.  He played several times a week for over 50 years and was a longtime member of both Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow, MA and Martin Downs Country Club in Palm City, FL, where he was fortunate to make a hole in one at each course. John enjoyed travelling and taking golf trips with Sonia and spending as much time as possible with their children and granddaughters.  Our Dad was also a history lover, enjoyed watching nature shows, listening to jazz music, had a keen appreciation for the arts and was a member of the Springfield Masonic Lodge. John was the loving and devoted father to Tanya (nee Meregian) Minassian and her Husband Serge, and Nicole Meregian and her longtime partner Stephen Hahn. John especially adored his two Granddaughters, Arianna and Sophia Minassian, whom he loved to take fishing, golfing and share his love of nature.  Our Dad was the strongest, wisest and most loving Father and Grandfather that we could have ever asked for. He was the consummate Patriarch and fountain of strength, who inspired our family. His passing leaves a void in our hearts and we will miss him dearly.
John is also survived by his sister Shirley (nee Meregian) Yergatian of Milford, MA and her husband Greg, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.  We would like to thank the nurses and staff at Beacon Hospice in Springfield, MA for the support, love and care they showed to our Dad and all of us. The family will have a private burial service. Donations in memory of John may be sent to the American Parkinson Disease Association (Massachusetts Chapter), 72 East Concord Street, Room C3, Boston, MA 02118. To offer an online condolence please visit www.ByronKeenan.com