Obituary of Jacob H. Ohanesian

Jacob Harry Ohanesian, MD, 98 of New Britain, CT peacefully died at his home while comforted by his family on December 20, 2015. He was by profession a Doctor of Obstetrics and Gynecology practicing from 1954 - 1989. His practice touched the lives of thousands and delivered into this world healthy children filling the hearts and fulfilling the dreams of anxious couples longing to begin their families. It was a gift he had been given and he whistled his way to work. The son of George and Osanna (Gulesarian) Ohanesian he was born April 15, 1917. A lifelong resident of New Britain growing up on Glen and Fairview streets Jacob had one dream; to become a doctor. He is predeceased by his parents and three brothers Varham of Laguna Beach CA, Richard of Newington, CT and Hurant of New Britain, CT. A graduate of New Britain High School ('35) and teetotaler he work for four years for Heublein Mineral Spirits in Hartford overseeing the Gin still to earn enough money to attend college. In 1939 he received a scholarship to attend the Univ. of Dubuque in Iowa earning his way working as the head waiter of the college cafeteria. Upon completion of his junior year he applied to and was accepted to medical school and in 1939 attended Hahnemann Medical School in Philadelphia, PA where he earned is MD and second degree in Homeopathic medicine. Like many young men during WWII educations were interrupted due to the war effort. Jake was no exception and after 2 years in medical school was drafted into the Army and served as an Instructor of Medics at Fitzsimmons General Hospital in Denver, Colorado. After his service he returned to Medical School and completed his education in 1949. That same year he married the love of his life Charlotte Rose Yagoobian who to the day he died was by his side in all that they created and experienced in their 66 years of marriage. Together they built a life with five children and a wonderful home. In 1953 Jacob was again called into military service during the Korean conflict serving in the U.S. Airforce as Chief Medical Officer, stationed at Burtonwood, England; which entailed servicing dependents of the base personnel plus dependents of three other Northern England bases including embassy personnel of England, Ireland and Norway. Returning to New Britain in 1954 he proceeded to build his medical practice over the next 40 years delivering well over 4,000 babies into this world. He served as a clinical instructor in OBGYN at NBGH from 1965-1985, and from 1970- 1988 was a visiting professor at the UCONN Medical School in Farmington, CT. He was a member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CT and Hartford Medical Societies and served as President of the New Britain Medical Society from 1976-1979. While busy at work Jake was ardent lover of the outdoors and gardening whenever time allowed. During retirement he enjoyed vacationing in Maine with his family swimming in Sebago Lake to his heart's content, golfing and playing platform tennis with his wife and friends. Being a student of history spurred his interest in travel taking them to Egypt, China, Thailand, Japan, South America and throughout Europe many times. He read extensively about our American history and first and foremost was proud to be an American citizen and of Armenian descent. Jacob is survived by his wife Charlotte (Yagoobian) and their five children; Paul and wife Diane (Casella) of Portland, CT and their daughters Erica (Mike) Lamson and great grandson Rory of London, England and Jordan of Washington, D.C., Richard and his wife Kristi (Nordstrom) of Canton, CT and their children Jacob of Boston, MA and Margaret of Stamford, CT, Holly Coulter and her husband Schuyler and their daughters Charlotte Bowden (Thomas) of Boston, MA, Arianna Sinkovich (Alex) of Neptune City, NJ and Madeline Coulter of Farmington, CT, Mark and his wife Gina (Zarlengo) and their children Olivia and Peter of New Britain, CT, Elizabeth Anderson and her husband Christopher and their children Aaron of Boston, MA, Lucas and Madelene of Houlton ME and his beloved cousin Mable Yeterian and numerous nieces and nephews. Living 98 years brings with it many life experiences and Jake embraced each of them. Jake would be the first to say that luck shined down on him throughout his years steeping him in the importance of giving back which he did through his family, medical practice, his church and his service to his community. The Ohanesian Family wishes to convey our deepest gratitude to the many family members and friends who were central to his daily life including but not limited to Art Rubinstein and his family, our neighbors of 59 years and The Franciscans who supported our Hospice care efforts at home with dignity and spiritual support these last few weeks. Calling hours will be held at First Church of Christ, 860 Corbin Avenue, New Britain, CT 06052 on December 29, 2015 from 10:00 to 11:30 AM with a memorial service immediately thereafter in the sanctuary. In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation be made to either the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) www.amaa.org or First Church of Christ New Britain www.firstnewbritain.org.