Born in Tabriz, Iran, to Levon and Nektar Gregorian, Zareh Gregorian was the youngest of five brothers, Hrach, Rouben, Asik, and his surviving brother Henry.
Zareh received his early education in Tabriz and then attended Tehran University where he met the love of his life and future wife of 59 years, Emily Shultz. Upon graduating with honors he was awarded a full scholarship by the Shah of Iran to attended Harvard University for a masters of science in engineering. While studying in Boston, Zareh and Emily had their first son, Fredrick, who, several years later, was followed by Garen and Oshin. After graduating from Harvard, Zareh returned to Tehran and launched his own firm and also began the pursuit of one of his great passions, teaching. He taught at the University of Tehran and at the National University of Iran for more than 20 years, and was eventually awarded an honorary doctorate.
His work in Tehran centered around projects for the Persian royal family, including Golestan Palace and Keish Palace; however, his favorite project was the mausoleum of the famed Persian poet Omar Khayam.
In the early 1980’s, he and his family settled back in Boston where he founded Gregorian Engineers and continued his passion for teaching by returning to lecture at his alma mater, Harvard University, as well as teaching at Tufts University. As an engineer he worked for several leading educational institutions in New England, including Harvard, Tufts, Boston, and Brown universities. He also worked on several local projects, including the Berkshire Medical Center, the BU Medical Center, the VA Cemetery in Winchendon, the Arnold Arboretum, and the Armenian Heritage Memorial on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. He received several awards from both the American and Boston Society of Architects, among many others.
For those who knew Zareh well, his passion and love for classical music was no secret. Classical music was the foundation of his life. He grew up surrounded by music, whether taking lessons, going to concerts, or performing himself. Zareh began his studies in piano at the age of 6 with his mother. His father also greatly influenced his musical pursuits as he was a well-known conductor, violinist, and music teacher. By the age of 18, Zareh flourished as an accomplished concert pianist and accompanist. This love of music stayed with him throughout his days, whether it was during the time he spent serving on the board of the Friends of Armenian Culture Society, or at home playing Chopin’s’ Nocturnes. His love of music was always present in both his body and mind.
Family, both those near and far, were always kept close to his heart. Zareh cherished letters and cards from his nieces and nephews with updates about their lives and families. Zareh had such pride for his immediate family, his wife Emily, his son Fredrick and wife Lisa, his son Garen, and his son Oshin and wife Sarah, and his cherished grandchildren, Rouben and Tenny.
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Dear Zareh, my past friend since 1950,classmate in High school and University of Tehran in Civil Engineering(Rah va Sakhteman)…You moved America we didn’t have chance to meet each other…Yes, Zareh was great im Music,Education and friendship. I miss you, Hrand Safarian Los Angeles, USA
We have had the privilege of knowing Zareh and Emily for many years as we have been neighbors in Cambridge. We will miss Zareh enormously and always remember him with great affection. Our most sincere condolences to Emily and the children.
Murielle and Nicholas Sharky
Զարեին ճանաչում եմ երբ ես երեխա էի, Մայրս երբ ուզեր մի լավ երիտասարդի իբրև օրինակ նշեր դրանցից մեկը Զարեն էր. Զարեն արվեստագետ էր և նույն ժամանկ բարձր մակարտակի ճարտարագետ: Ես աշխատել եմ իր հետ և գիտեմ նրա համեստ հոգու մասին:
Աստված Հոգին Լույսավորի և ընտանիքին համբերություն որ իրենց և մեր ժողովրդի մեծ կորստին դիմանան:
Ցավակից եմ բոլորիտ
Dr. Zareh Gregorian was the greatest professors I had in the National University of Iran, which later, in the US he became a friend and structural consultant. Several time I called him from Los Angeles and asked question, and he very friendly and with very basic language explained all related questions.
Not only he was a great professor, but he was a great person. I miss him very much and I will miss him for the rest of my life.
Zareh Gregorian was an excellent civil engineer. He was a close collaborator of my office, BORBOR, Consulting Architects, Engineers and Planners, and carried out many of the structural designs of of our architectural projects. He was a very down-to-earth and likable character. I have many good memories of him.
I just found out the passing of my dear friend Zareh . My condolences to his family and may GOD bless them all. I knew Zareh from Tehran where I took violin lessons from his Baron Levon Gregorian. Emily jan my condolences to you (late) and your family and may GOD bless them all
I did not know Dr. Zareh Gregorian discovered him by chance all I want to say is that I only hope people will talk about me as they did here about this fabulous man having earned the admiration of so many!