Harry Ahron Kachadoorian

Harry Ahron Kachadoorian was born on April 8, 1948 in Worcester, Massachusetts. He was the son of the late Sarkis “Jack” and Maro Kachadoorian. He was the loving brother of Debbie Salerno, Levon Kachadoorian and brother in law to Anthony Salerno. In the summer of 1967,  Harry met Karyn Kerkorian at an Armenian Sports Weekend held at the former Breakers in Narragansett, RI. This weekend marked the beginning of a 50 year legacy of love together. They were married on June 29, 1969, and were blessed with two beautiful girls, Taline and Alyssa.  They gained two sons through the marriage of their daughters--- Leon Waller and Dylan Johnson. Harry proudly became “Papa” to 3 wonderful grandchildren: Malachi, Olivia and newest granddaughter, Sofia.

Harry graduated from Leicester High School in 1968.  He then went on to Worcester Art Museum, and then graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Vesper George School of Art in Boston, MA in 1974.

After graduating college, Harry then went on to teach art to elementary young children in the Head Start Program, graphic art at Tantasqua Regional High School, and sculpture at Dean Junior College.  During this time, he developed and opened a silk screening business called “American Silk Screening” in Worcester MA, where he was entrusted to design logos for local business apparel. His love of art and photography lead him into a vast 40 year career as a pioneering Retinal Angiographer. He trained to become a Retinal Angiographer at the following institutions:  Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, TX MA), Tufts University School of Medicine (Boston, MA), Manhattan Eye & Ear (New York, NY), and the University of Massachusetts Medical Center (Worcester, MA). He became the first certified Retinal Angiographer on the East Coast, and was the only certified Angiographer in the State of Rhode Island.

He completed his career as the Clinical Director of Diagnostic Imaging at Koch Eye Associates.  Most notably, he was a member of the Professional Diabetic Advisory Board through the RI Department of Health. He published many prestigious ophthalmic publications such as:  American Journal of Ophthalmology; Ophthalmic Surgery; New England Journal of Medicine; Ophthalmology; ACTA and the American Telemedicine Association. He has also published photographs in many Ophthalmic textbooks, most notably the world renowned Cecil Textbook of Medicine.   His teaching and professional experience included: clinical instruction at national meetings of The American Academy of Ophthalmology, Image Acquisition Specialist from the Joslin Center for Diabetes, and the Clinical Director of Diagnostic Imaging at University Massachusetts Medical Center, Department of Ophthalmology.  He was the presenter and lecturer on Diabetic Retinopathy, throughout the Rhode Island community, in which he created the first mobile Joselin diabetic eye screening service, to serve Rhode Island community health centers. He was a guest lecturer and workshop coordinator at the National Biomedical Photographers Society in Boston, MA, as well as the Ophthalmic Photographers Society International Meeting in Las Vegas, NV.

Harry’s interests were diverse  and numerous. There was no challenge too great for Harry to master. These interests included: windsurfing, kayaking, rock climbing, ice climbing, scuba diving, sailing, skiing, swimming, hiking, and his most recent passion---motorcycle riding.  It was through this last endeavor, that he became an avid member of the Ocean State BMW Motorcycle Club in RI. Through this club, he became part of a motorcycle brethren. He would often recount the wonderful memories of weekend camping trips, breakfast outings and motorcycle excursions, with this wonderful community.  

Harry’s interest in sports began as an early teen, involved in the Armenian Youth Federation.  He participated in the Senior Armenian Olympics, winning medals in track and field and swimming. This love of sport encouraged him to become “Coach K” for the track and field teams, at Notre Dame Academy and Assumption College. With this, he became a certified Personal Trainer.  

Harry was a very giving individual who cared deeply for human kind.  He took much enjoyment in volunteering for his Providence and Worcester Armenian churches and the Providence Mission Shelter, in preparing and serving meals to people in need.

He was a devoted and loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend. Throughout Harry’s life, he displayed pride in his family, the Armenian church, and service to the community.  Harry’s kind spirit radiated through his eyes, smile and warm and giving nature. He had a unique gift to make each and every person that he encountered, feel important and special to him.

He taught his family by example: the value in reaching out to others and giving of oneself.  We, his family, will strive to continue this in honor of his legacy.

As Harry has professed throughout his lifetime: “Being rich isn’t about how much money you have, it’s about the love of a family.”

Relatives and friends are invited to the Funeral service for Harry on Friday, September 28, 2018 at 10 a.m. at Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, 635 Grove Street, Worcester. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery, Worcester.   Calling hours will be held from 4-7pm on Thursday September 27, 2018 in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Harry’s memory may be made to the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, 635 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605 or to Sts Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church, 402 Broadway, Providence, RI 02903.