(From The Armenian Prelacy, New York)—George Dermksian was born in New York City on November 10, 1927, to Yervant and Mariam Dermksian. He had one sister, Seerarpey. He grew up in New York City and went to Stuyvesant High School. After high school, he attended Columbia University and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1948. He then earned a Master of Arts at Teachers College, Columbia University, in 1950, after which he completed his Doctorate of Medicine in 1954 at Cornell University Medical College. In 1954, he became an Intern in Medicine at St. Luke’s Hospital in New York City in 1954. He did a second year of Residency at St. Luke’s Hospital before becoming a Captain in the United States Air Force, School of Aviation Medicine, at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, in 1956-1958.
Following his return to New York City, he went on to finish his third year as a Resident in Medicine in 1958. Dr. Dermksian served as Chief Resident in Medicine at St. Luke’s Hospital in 1959-1960. He then went into private practice for himself from 1960 to 2001. His numerous academic appointments included Clinical Professor of Medicine at the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Columbia University. He served on and led numerous medical societies and committees during his medical career. Dr. Dermksian officially retired in 2001, but continued to be actively involved in medicine right until the time of his death.
He was actively involved in every aspect of the Armenian community throughout his entire life from the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) to the Armenian Prelacy to the Armenian Assembly. He devoted his life to St. Illuminator’s Armenian Cathedral, of which he was a delegate to the National Representative Assembly through different periods from the 1960s to the 1980s. Nothing was more important to him than being Armenian and making sure that the tradition and legacy of the Armenian people would live on forever.
Dr. Dermksian married Tamara Manookian in 1954. They had two children—Gregory and Jeffrey. He would always spend his spare time with his family. Tamara died in 2019 after 64 years of marriage.
Dr. George Dermksian is survived by his sons (Gregory and Jeffrey), their wives (Suzanne and Roubina) and his four grandchildren (Matthew, Michael, Nicole and Jenna) who all adored their “Papa.”
May God bless his soul and bring consolation to his family.
The Armenian Weekly Editorial Board extends its sincere condolences to Dr. Dermksian’s family. He was a loyal reader and supporter of our publication and will be remembered fondly.
Guest Contributor
God bless this dedicated, generous, intelligent and gentle Armenian. He led by example.
Thank you very much for your kind words about my father. They are very much appreciated.
Jeffrey Dermksian
As a young inexperienced delegate , I would watch and listen to the “New Yorkers” …. Mousegh Haratunian, Armen Boyajian and Dr. George …. for guidance and inspiration. Dr. George was polite
but direct….. articulate but humble and always made sense. Many of us of the next generation were inspired by his example. He loved the Armenian church and advocated passionately for its prosperity. Thank you for all you have done and all those who carry on because you touched their hearts. Asdvatz Hokin Louysavoreh.
Dear Stepan,
Thank you very much for your kind words about my Dad. He loved his family almost as much as he loved the Armenian church and the Armenian people
Jeffrey Dermksian
I just came across this and I am so saddened to read this about that wonderful kind caring Doctor who I loved adored and greatly respected-men like your father are few and far between-he was my Grandmothers, Mother’s Fathers Aunt Uncle Doctor and needless to say mine-when I was faced with a serious medical issue he helped and guided me through those difficult days and I will never forget him for that-I remember going to his office and always finding him greeting me at the door with a huge smile and hug-then yelling at me that I was too fat and was still smoking !!
The Rubber Plant that my Grandmother gave him-always was in the office in the corner by the window near Park Avenue-he was a special caring man and my family was blessed to have had him in our lives.
Know that I will always keep him in my heart and pray for his peace-may God Bless his Memory.
Fondly,
Arthur Tarzy
Arthur,
Thank you so much for your kind words. It means a lot.
Jeff Dermksian
We loved and respected this dignified , gentle and special doctor God lead us to meet in the mid seventies!.
He cared fir our father and us and we loved visiting
Chin in his beautiful office did many years..
He saved our father’s live many times with his excellent diagnosis and procedures.
We kept in touch after he retired and I loved talking to him on the phone.
He was one of a kind, our entire family will miss him.
May he Rest In Peace with his beloved wife.
I have saved and I will always cherished his many besurfulkg handwritten notes to our father and me.
He will always live in our hearts and minds .
We will always love you and respect you Dr George Dermksian!
Michael Mihalos
I always called him Doc. He was one of the finest human beings I have ever met. I had such respect for my friend and his wife. They always made me feel welcome in their presence. I will miss you. God bless u and r family. I know how much family meant to him. So being Irish here. Is my tribute.
May the road rise up to to you
May the wind be behind your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rains fall soft upon your fields. Rest well will always think of u and Tammy.
Love Kathy❤️