John Sarkis Hagopian II

John Sarkis Hagopian, II, 30 of West Brookfield, passed away unexpectedly while on vacation in Ocean City, Maryland Thursday July 17th 2014. Johnny was born in Worcester, grew up in West Brookfield and graduated from Quaboag Regional High School. Johnny then attended Quinsigamond Community College and earned his degree in special needs education from Westfield State College. He has lived in West Brookfield all his life. Johnny is survived by his parents, John Hagopian Jr. and Margaret L. (Dersain) Hagopian; his two brothers, Garabed Paul Hagopian of Medford, Hagop Philip Hagopian and his wife Chelsea of West Brookfield; his maternal grandfather, Paul J. Dersain of Danielson, CT; many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, extended family, and friends. His paternal grandparents John Sarkis Sr. and Lala Agnes, and maternal grandmother, Rose Marie Dersain all pre deceased him. Johnny worked as a special needs counselor for the Center of Hope in Southbridge where he was extremely loved by all his co-workers and clients. He was a member of the Armenian Church of Our Savior. Johnny loved sports; he loved playing sports, and he loved helping kids with special needs and was always attentive to everyone he came in contact with. Growing up, Johnny played many sports but found his love of sports in serving as an umpire. Whether it was baseball, basketball, or a good game of softball, nothing made him happier than calling a game behind the plate or on the bases. He loved working with kids with special needs; he volunteered as a coach and took great part in the Special Olympics, including developing additional programs for clients of Center of Hope. He also loved history, both U.S. History and Sports history. He was a member of the National Historical Honor Society in College. Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours Thursday, July 24th 2014 from 5 pm to 9 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Worcester. His funeral will be held Friday, July 25th from the funeral home with a procession to the Armenian Church of Our Savior, 87 Salisbury Street, Worcester, where his service will be held at 11:00 am. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery, Worcester. In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in Johnny's name can be made to either, the Armenian Church of Our Savior, 87 Salisbury St Worcester, 01609 or the Center of Hope Special Olympics Fund, 100 Foster Street, Southbridge MA. 01550. A Dahngak service will be celebrated at 8:30 pm Thursday in the funeral home. A Dahngak service will be celebrated at 8:30 pm Thursday in the funeral home.