Zaven Deraprahamian, 94, of West Hartford, beloved husband of Helen (Der Barghamian) Der Aprahamian, passed away Wednesday, September 3, 2014 peacefully at home with his family by his side. Born in Kharpert, historic Western Armenia, survivor of the Armenian Genocide, he was the son of the late Sarkis and Mariam (Palanjian) Der Aprahamian. He was raised in Aleppo, Syria and moved to Damascus, Syria, where he started his family. Zaven and his family immigrated to the US in 1960 and settled in West Hartford. Zaven was a talented tailor, having worked in many fine clothing establishments. In 1968, he opened Zaven’s Tailor Shop in Elmwood Center. The shop was frequently visited not only by customers but for many, the shop was a gathering place for a variety of people for conversation and friendship. He was an active member of St. George Armenian Church, Hartford, having served on the parish council. He taught children Armenian and was a member of the Knights of Vartan’s. Zaven had a deep appreciation of nature. He loved to see the sparkle of children’s eyes and was an avid music lover. History, politics and current events were his passion, but his strongest belief was equality and peace for all mankind. Besides his wife, he is survived by his children, Ara and Sonia Der Aprahamian of Glendale, CA, Sossi Derian of West Hartford and Ashod and Hasmik Der Aprahamian of West Hartford; four grandchildren, Armen and Anoush Der Aprahamian of Glendale. CA, Sara and Aram Der Aprahamian of West Hartford. He also is survived by many nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Zaven was predeceased by his brothers, Harutiun, Haige and sisters Azniv, Seran and Vartouhie. Funeral Mass will be Saturday, (Sept.6),11:30 am at St. George Armenian Church, 22 White St., Hartford. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. Calling hours will be TODAY from 6-8 pm at the Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave., West Hartford. There will be a wake service at 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. George Armenian Church, 22 White St. Hartford, CT or the Armenian Genocide Commemoration Fund of CT, PO Box 156, West Hartford, CT 06137.