Welcome to St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church

October 28, 2003 - July 01, 2025

Granby, MA

Eric Michael Tarpinian-Jachym, 21, of Granby, Massachusetts, passed away on July 1, 2025, tragically from a shooting in Washington, D.C. one mile from the White House. Eric was honored to be hired by Rep. Estes from Kansas for a summer internship as a Legislative Intern to the House of Representatives. His life, though heartbreakingly short, was filled with passion, curiosity, and achievement. Eric was a beloved son, brother, nephew, grandson, student, and friend.

Eric was born on October 28, 2003, in Springfield, MA, the youngest of three children. He was a graduate of Granby Public Schools, and an alumnus of the Bement School in Deerfield, MA. He was a stellar student recognized for his academic excellence. He was a Latin enthusiast. Eric received Honors with passing the National Latin Exam, receiving a Gold Medal, The American Classical League, April 2020; Best Delegate Award, Boston College High School, March 2020; National Latin Exam Silver Medal, The American Classical League, April 2019 and National Latin Exam Summa Cum Laude and The American Classical League April 2018. He was on Debate Club, Model UN, Chess Club and Bowling Club during his high school years. 

Eric attended Bryant University for finance his freshman year but wanted to come back to Massachusetts to be with his family. Eric received a scholarship to many Universities but chose Bryant because of their reputation of being an excellent Business School, plus he said, "I can fish the Rhode Island shores and lakes." Eric was then accepted to Isenberg School of Management, for sophomore year and was honored to be part of the UMASS/Isenberg Business School Community. While at UMASS Eric was active in clubs on campus including Ski Club, Armenian Club, Chess Club, Finance Society, and Investment Club.

Eric was honored to receive a full scholarship in January 2025 to attend the Fund for American Studies in Washington, DC, along with being a full time fellow with Advanced Advocacy from Jan 2025 - May 2025 and while attending George Mason University full time for the semester.

Eric started archery in 4th grade and then became a competitive recurve archer and competed in Jr. Olympic Archery Development. He competed in their competitions along with the USA Archery Nationals on many occasions and was a Level One Instructor for Archery. Eric loved the Archery community because of the encouragement to do your personal best and be part of a team.

Eric started fishing when he was a toddler on the R.I. waters with his siblings, grandpa and parents. He would crab, fish, and when he got older loved clamming with his friends and family. Eric was a member of Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association along with his father. He frequently competed in tournaments, free dives to remove marine debris and has supported RISAA's initiatives before the Rhode Island Fisheries Commissions. 

He also belonged to Pioneer Valley Boat & Surf in Agawam, MA, where he was on the Board of Directors and the youngest board member ever. Eric met so many wonderful people at this club. He was in all their fishing tournaments, sold raffle tickets at the Sportsmen's Show and met many nice mentors at this club who honed in on how Eric cared about the environment and fishing while encouraging younger and older generations to participate in fishing. 

He has mentored people on the R.I. shores. Eric and his best fishing buddy, David Boggs entered the Rhode Island Surfcasting classic. Fishing Clubs from RI, CT, and MA participate, and this competition is held in the Fall. Eric winning the Trophy for the Pioneer Valley Boat and Surf made Eric and the Club so happy, especially David, his fishing buddy, during the tournament. He also loved ice fishing with his father and brother.

Eric's presence was marked by a bright mind, quiet determination, and a quick wit. We ask that you remember Eric for his kind heart, intelligence, his sense of justice, love of nature, and his unwavering curiosity. Eric was a humble old soul. He leaves behind his family, close friends, a university, and intern community that will feel his absence deeply.

Eric leaves his devoted parents Tamara Tarpinian-Jachym and Robert Jachym; his older sister Angela; older brother Jeremy all of Granby and his best buddy, Hunter, the family German Short Hair Pointer who he had a very special bond with over the last 11 yrs. He leaves his Uncle and Aunt Michael and Patti Jachym of Monson; his Uncle and Godfather David and Jane Jachym from South Windsor, CT and his Uncle Mark and Aunt Cathy from NC. He also leaves his Godmother Marisa Zulch, and many cousins across the country, too numerous to mention. He was the grandson of the late Longin and Ursula Jachym of Wilbraham, and Evelyn Gurski Tarpinian and Harry Tarpinian of Ludlow and Westerly, R.I.

Family and friends are invited to gather on 

Wednesday, July 16, 2025, from 4 – 8 PM at 

Forastiere Smith Funeral & Cremation

220 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, 

beginning at 9:30 AM at the funeral home 

followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 AM at 

St. Cecilia Church, 42 Main St, Wilbraham, MA 01095

In memory of Eric, Memorial contributions may be made to the following organizations which helped educate and mentor Eric throughout his life. 

The Fund for American Studies at 

tfas.org/eric-tarpinian-jachym-memorial-scholarship/ 

or by mail to 

The Fund for American Studies 

Memo: Eric Tarpinian-Jachym Memorial Scholarship

1706 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009 

or to 

RISAA at www.risaa.org/the-foundation/ 

or by mail to 

RISAA P.O. Box 02816, Coventry, RI 02816

We will also have a future fishing derby in Memory of Eric through the Pioneer Valley Boat and Surf Club in conjunction with other organizations. 

For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.forastiere.com

September 21, 1942  -  July 4, 2025

East Greenwich, RI 

Richard F. Matulewicz, 82, passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025, at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence. For 59 years he was the beloved husband of Sonia (Soultanian) Matulewicz.

Born on September 21, 1942 in Enfield, CT, to Thomas and Mary (Arvantely) Matulewicz, Richard grew up in Enfield before moving Longmeadow, MA. Richard graduated from Longmeadow High School in 1961. A graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy NY earning a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering, he also earned a master’s degree in business administration from Western New England University in Springfield, MA. He became a Phi Kappa Alpha brother while at RPI.

His career as a chemical engineer in the pulp and paper industry spanned 39 years before retiring in 2005. During his career he worked for Strathmore Paper Company-a division of International Paper, and for Esleeck Manufacturing Company. He held many positions in organizations affiliated with paper making including serving as president of TAPPI, the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry. He also held a Massachusetts Grade 6 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License.

Rich belonged to the Men’s Club at Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church, Providence, and was a Trustee and member of the Endowment Committee at St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church, Indian Orchard, MA.

Richard loved to bike with “Old Spokes”, to jog and to spend time with family and friends. Known as a kind and gentle man, Richard was also known to make the most delicious popcorn for all.

In addition to his beloved wife, Sonia, Richard was the father of Ariadne “Ari” Matulewicz (husband Dr. Jason Gomez) and the late Sara Mary Matulewicz. He was an adoring “Papou” to Sara Matulewicz Gomez and Ani Matulewicz Gomez who were the loves of his life. He was the brother of the late William Matulewicz and the brother-in-law of Catherine Matulewicz, Haig Soultanian and the late Archie Soultanian, Philip and Sarah (Soultanian) Natcharian. He also leaves behind many cherished nieces & nephews.

Visitation will be held at Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home, 659 East Greenwich Avenue, West Warwick on Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 12:00 – 2:00 PM immediately followed by a prayer service beginning at 2 PM. A private interment will be held in the future in Hillcrest Park Cemetery, Springfield, MA, where he will be laid to rest with his daughter, Sara Mary.

Kindly omit flowers. Memorial donations may be made in his name to:

Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church

402 Broadway, Providence, RI 02909 

https://stsvartanantzchurch.org/

St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church

P.O. Box 51064, Indian Orchard, MA 01151 https://saintgregoryarmenianchurch.org

Contributions can be made online by clicking "Donate Today" at the top of the page, or clicking here.

1933 - April 30, 2025 

April 30, 2025

Leo Vartanian of Longmeadow, MA passed peacefully on April 30, 2025 surrounded by his family. Cherished husband of Elizabeth (Manoogian) Vartanian. 

Devoted father of Elaine Westermark and her husband Gary. Loving grandfather of William and Katarina Westermark. Beloved brother of Dorothy Piligian. He also leaves many adored nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

A memorial service will be held at St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church at 135 Goodwin St., Indian Orchard, MA on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Viewing will be held from 10 am to 11 am and Mass will be held at 11 am. Relatives and Friends are kindly invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church

135 Goodwin Street

P.O. Box 51064

Indian Orchard, MA 01151

Contributions can be made online by clicking "Donate Today" at the top of the page, or clicking here.

August 26, 1928 - January 9, 2025

Springfield, MA

Arax Charkoudian passed away peacefully on January 9, 2025, in Springfield, MA. Born on August 26, 1928, in Springfield to the late Nishan and Azniv (Sanjian) Charkoudian, Arax lived a life defined by passion, service, and tribute to her Armenian-American heritage.

Arax was deeply independent and adventurous at a time when choices were limited for women. With a master's in education, Arax initially taught history all over the Northeast US, and taught English in Izmir, Turkey on a Fulbright scholarship. She later owned a greenhouse on the Connecticut River, growing chrysanthemums under half an acre of glass, and selling flowers all over New England.

Arax was a force for good, she served her community with dedication and steadfastness. As board chair of St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church, her leadership and organizational skills left a lasting impact. She contributed significantly to Springfield's downtown neighborhood and led historic walking tours for the Springfield Museums. As a young adult Arax was an active member of Springfield's Sports Car Club driving zippy European cars like the Morris Minor, and later was active with the Smiths Ferry Women's Club, and Springfield's Metro Center Association.

Arax is predeceased by her parents and her sisters, Arppie Charkoudian and Kenar Charkoudian. She is survived by her brother Levon Charkoudian of Newton, MA; her niece Karoun Charkoudian of Springfield, MA; her nephew Deron Charkoudian and wife Meghan of New York, NY; her niece Lorig Charkoudian of Takoma Park, MD; her niece Nisha Simmons and husband John of Newton, MA; and many beloved grandnieces and grandnephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Ratell Funeral Home, 200 Main Street, Indian Orchard. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church, 135 Goodwin Street, Indian Orchard. Following the service all are welcome to join the luncheon at the church. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church at https://saintgregoryarmenianchurch.org/donate-today

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