Harry Zeroogian, 94, of Avon, Connecticut, formerly of Longmeadow, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2026. He was born on May 17, 1932 in Indian Orchard, Massachusetts, to the late Merigan Zeroogian and Noyemzar (Panagian) Zeroogian. He was the son of Armenian Genocide survivors.
After graduating from Technical High School in 1950, Harry worked as a Product Design Draftsman at Chapman Valve Manufacturing Company while taking Engineering courses at the Springfield division of Northeastern University. He was a Korean War veteran, and served in Germany in the United States Army Corps of Engineers. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Education from Fitchburg State College, and a Master’s degree from Westfield State College.
Harry devoted 31 years to the Enfield Public Schools, where he was a forward-thinker, a pioneer and a visionary. Harry created their drafting program, then moved up to Department Head/Director of Vocational/Technical Education (Voc-Ed). Throughout his career, he developed innovative programs, secured significant Federal funding, designed curriculums and expanded opportunities for students. He was recognized as Connecticut’s Outstanding Voc-Ed Administrator. In addition, he received a regional New England award, and ultimately received a National award from the United States Department of Education. He created groundbreaking programs in nursing, automotive, computer and culinary arts that allowed students to gain invaluable hands-on work experience and opened doors to successful careers, thereby changing the trajectory of their lives.
Harry is survived by the love of his life, his wife Jennie Klutch, whom he met at St. John’s Armenian Church where he was the Sunday School superintendent and she sang in the choir. They were married nearly 64 years. They had three children: Beverly Zeroogian and spouse Peter of Newtown, CT, Adam Zeroogian and spouse Susan, of Lexington, KY, and Noyem Wu and spouse Dr. Ted Wu, of Avon, CT, with whom they lived. He is also survived by six beloved grandchildren: Joshua Becker, Benjamin Becker, Alexa Zeroogian, Andrew Wu, David Wu and Samuel Wu.
Harry was predeceased by his parents and his three siblings, Varvar Papelian, Vartan Zeroogian and Karnig Zeroogian.He was one of the founding members of St. Mark Armenian Church (formerly St. John). He was a member of the Knights of Vartan for 50 years.
Harry had an exceptional technical mind. He could fix your car, washing machine or electrical wiring. He also knew how to build, and built the family room and porch onto his Longmeadow home. He had many talents, and his motto was “Do it right the first time”. More importantly, he had a heart of gold. He went above and beyond for his family, his friends, even strangers. He was one-of-a-kind.
Harry was a survivor, in every sense of the word. After suffering a heart attack at the age of 50, he went on to live another 44 remarkable years. During this time, he survived countless life-threatening emergencies, surprising even his doctors. Through it all, he was still optimistic, and loved his life. He was the strongest person we knew and will be deeply missed.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 from 10:00 am-11:00 am, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am at St. Mark’s Armenian Church, 2427 Wilbraham Rd, Springfield, MA. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Springfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mark’s Armenian Church in Harry’s memory.
Տէրը լուսաւորէ ննջեցեալներու հոգիները, եւ Սուրբ Հոգիի մխիթարութիւնը պարգեւէ անոնց հարազատներուն
May God rest the souls of the departed and comfort the members of their families.
