Sarkis Aloian, 83, of Niagara Falls, NY passed away on Thursday May 27, 2010 at his residence. Born in Niagara Falls, NY he was the son of the late Setrag and Satenik (Voskian) Aloian.


Sarkis was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, NY. He attended local schools including Niagara Falls High School and the former Trott Vocational High School. He served in the United States Navy during World War II from November 27, 1944 until his honorable discharge on July 15, 1946, and was awarded the American Theatre Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal and WWII Victory Medal. On June 3, 1950, Sarkis married Barbara Aloian at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Niagara Falls, NY; and would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 3, 2010.


Mr. Aloian, along with his dear friend Frank Renda owned and operated, the former Cataract Grinding Co. in Niagara Falls. Sarkis also operated his family's grocery store, Sark Aloian and Sons located on Tenth and East Falls Street in Niagara Falls, and worked as a First Class Machinist at the Carborundum Company until his retirement in 1978. Sarkis was a longtime member of St. Hagop Armenian Apostolic Church in Niagara Falls, NY. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 1083 in Lewiston, NY where he had served as past commander, and a member of the American Armenian Veterans. In his leisure time, Sarkis enjoyed golfing, stamp collecting, cooking, making stained glass and playing backgammon.


In addition to his wife, Sarkis is survived by four children, Lawrence (Nora) Aloian of Grand Island, NY, Vanik R. (Terry) Aloian of Wilson, NY, Mary A. (Peter) Ohanessian of Lewiston, NY and Christina L. (James) Tomasine of Newfane, NY; nine grandchildren and two step grandchildren, Jennifer N. (John) Gilmore, Stephanie M. (Erik) Brennan, Michael L. Aloian, Vanik-Jon (fiancé Rose Sullivan) Aloian, Jason (Kim) Wilson, Jeremy (fiancé Renee) Wilson, Sara E. Ohanessian, Lisa C. Ohanessian, Lori V. Ohanessian, Santo J. (fiancé Jessica Klatt) Tomasine and Samantha J. (Eric) Sommers; his great-grandchildren, Ryan M. Gilmore, Foster R. Wilson, Gavan J. Aloian, Ani D. Sommers and Emma B. Sommers, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was also predeceased by one brother Martin Aloian and one sister Anne (Sam "Trag" of California) Tarpinian.


Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2 – 4 and 6 – 9 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will begin on Monday May 31st at 10:15 a.m. and at 11 a.m. in St. Hagop Armenian Apostolic Church, 322 9th Street, Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Fr. Keghart Kosbakian officiating, assisted by Deacon Albert Amato. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family in Oakwood Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. Memorial donations may be made to St. Hagop Armenian Apostolic Church, 322 9th Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303.