Arthur E. Yacubian

Yacubian, Arthur E. of Quincy, died May 10, 2015. 

Arthur learned from a young age the importance of family, education and community.  The son of immigrant parents, he was raised in Quincy of the strongest moral fiber. His parents, through their example, instilled in him a desire to succeed, love of learning, and a keen sense of how to help others in the community. 

He graduated from North Quincy High School in 1949 and later enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving for four years during the Korean Conflict.  When he returned home and had difficulty finding work, he decided to recommit himself wholeheartedly to his studies.  Education was his second love, after family, and he quickly excelled during his four years at Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy.  Arthur was a dedicated student who could always be found in the same cubicle at the library.  When the library closed he continued studying at the desk of his professor’s secretary.  He studied to learn the material, not just to pass a test.  Arthur graduated Magna Cum Laude from Eastern Nazarene College and received a perfect score on the Graduate Record Exam.  This success allowed him to further his studies at Trinity College where he received a Master’s Degree in Mathematics.  Arthur always felt his college days were the best.  In later years he would have loved to go back to school. 

His favorite job was at the Underwater Sound Lab in CT.  He made a difficult choice to come home and help take care of his parents, who had became ill, thus giving up his prized job.  He then worked at Natick Labs in MA for over 30 years and had turned down several promotions in order to continue the care of his beloved parents.  Arthur retired from Natick Labs in the early 1980’s. 

Arthur always dreamed of owning a car.  When he came home from Korea his mother surprised him by returning the money Arthur had sent home.  He went out and purchased his first Chevrolet from Duggan Brothers in N. Quincy.  He treated his family to car trips up and down the east coast and later with his brother Allan on over 25 trips across the United States.  One of the most memorable was the ability to bring his Dad to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC.  He and his brother Allan traveled the world; enjoying trips to Great Britain, Wales, Greece, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Italy and Germany. 

Arthur learned at an early age from his mother to always be nice.  Arthur never forgot this throughout his entire life and made others feel better by his kindness.  He took those few extra moments out of a day to pay a compliment, buy someone a cup of coffee or to truly listen to people.  His five-mile walks around Quincy were memorable to many residents through the years and he was recognized all around the city.  He always walked by Wollaston Beach and would be outside no matter the weather.  Arthur also rode his bike every Saturday to Hyannis for exercise, returning on the train in time to meet his brother after work. 

Arthur enjoyed meeting new people, reading, and sharing stories.  His studies and travel allowed him to speak knowledgeably on many subjects.  Arthur was a great man who was always involved, behind the scenes, in all of his brother Allan’s activities and never received any recognition.  He did not crave the attention but was always willing to help his younger brother.  He credits his parents for the wonderful life he was able to lead.  “We are who we are because of them”, was a favorite saying paying tribute to his parent’s sacrifices, love, and support of their family.  Arthur will be remembered for his generosity, compassion, genuineness, and the ability to always help people in need. 

Beloved son of the late Absolam Yacubian and Zaruhe (Chilingerian).  Loving brother of Dr. Allan H. Yacubian, DMD of Quincy, and the late Eleanor Yacubian. 

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Friday 4-8 PM in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., QUINCY. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 8:15 AM on Saturday prior to the Funeral Mass in Sacred Heart Church, Quincy at 9 AM. Burial in Pine Hill Cemetery, Quincy. 

Donations in memory of Arthur may be made to the Yacubian Family Education Fund (to benefit Quincy Public Schools), c/o Colonial Federal Savings Bank, 15 Beach Street, Quincy, MA 02170.