Jirier "Jerry" Demirgian

At his home in Pepperell, Massachusetts, Jirier “Jerry” Demirgian passed away on November 29, 2021 at the age of 74. He fought cancer bravely and arduously for many years, endured the often debilitating side effects of treatments with a positive attitude, and remained the cornerstone of his family until the very end. A friend to so many--and the hero of his family--Jerry provided more love and support throughout his life than anyone could ever ask for.

The son of Khatchik and Angel (Kalfian) Demirgian, Jerry immigrated to Newton, Massachusetts, USA with his parents and siblings at a young age. He didn’t have a lot of opportunities, but he took advantage of every one that he had. He was educated in the Newton school system, served in the US Army, and was a Vietnam Veteran. He had two children that he deeply cared for, Michael and Melanee, and many good years with his first wife Diane. He enjoyed many happy years with his two granddaughters, Sophia and Summer--and with his second wife, Linda--whom he deeply loved for the rest of his life.

He was very hardworking and worked many jobs over his life. Among other things, he worked as a machinist, as an electrical engineer with Arrow Hart and its successors, and he had various roles with Delta Air Lines. He wore a lot of hats; he just seemed to know how to do everything. He was a DIY enthusiast and loved working with his hands, whether it be woodworking, metalworking, carpentry, plumbing—the list goes on. He liked cheering on Boston teams, especially the Bruins. He enjoyed traveling, fishing, and relaxing at his cottage in Maine—much of that relaxation time was actually spent in just about the most relaxing way possible for him--working on some kind of project, not sitting by the beach. Until his illness, he never stopped moving—he really lived life to the fullest. Cancer did slow him down, but took a very long time to stop him. Jerry was a truly great man, and is deeply and sorely missed.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Linda Demirgian; his son, Michael Demirgian; his daughter, Melanee Shepherd, and her fiancé, Todd Trumpis; his granddaughters, Sophia and Summer Shepherd; his brother, Varoujan Mark Demirgian; his sister, Amy Poe, and her husband, Charles Poe; his brother, Sarkis John Demirgian; and many beloved aunts, cousins, nephews, and nieces.

A viewing will be held at 11 am on Monday, December 6, with services at noon. The viewing and services will be at St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church, 1 Artsakh Street, Watertown, MA 02472.

In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial gift to St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church ( https://soorpstepanos.org/ ).