Nshan Vorperian

Nshan Vorperian was born in 1934 in Romans, France, to the family of Khosrov and Siranoush (Momjian) Vorperian originally from Malatia, Turkey. When he was two years old, the family immigrated to Armenia, building their new home in New Malatia, Yerevan.

After graduating high school with honors, he then entered the University of Yerevan, majoring in chemistry. As soon as he got his Bachelor’s degree, he started working in a textile factory, first as a department supervisor, and later on he became the chief operating officer, and also an interim president of the company. He contributed to the company by his innovations and novel approaches. Both as a student, and then as a professional, he was very active in many organizations and social circles. During the times of perestroyka in the newly independent Republic of Armenia, he was elected as a grand jurist in the Supreme Court. He received additional accreditations in distance learning courses in Moscow.

After more than 40 years of experience in his field, he moved to the United States in 1995, while maintaining ties with his homeland. He was very well read, intelligent and cared a great deal about the education of future Armenian generations. He offered his practical knowledge and advice to many Armenian cultural organizations.

While in the U.S. he wrote many articles and speeches on the unification of western and eastern Armenian grammar. He was an active source with the Ministry of Diaspora of Armenia and the language institute of the National Academy.  In Rhode Island he participated actively in the “Urartu” philanthropic society.

On the wake of the 90th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, upon his suggestion, the city of Providence named a street by Sts. Vartanantz Church “Armenia Street” as well as displayed public billboards in commemoration of the genocide. He was one of the founders of the “Mesrobian Ukhd” non-profit organization that now has worldwide members and is devoted to the preservation of classical Armenian grammar.

He was a pillar of his family, and is survived by his wife Gohar (Shamlikyan) Vorperian, and his children Elizabet (Gevorg), Siranoush (Thomas) and Khosrov (Siranush), as well as six grandchilren, Viktoria, Sosi, Taleen, Gohar, Sophie and Mihran and two great grandchildren - Vardan and Arina.

Nshan will be missed greatly.

His Funeral Service to which relatives and friends are invited, will be held on Friday, July 22nd at 11 a.m. in Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church, 70 Jefferson St., Providence, followed by burial at North Burial Ground Cemetery, Providence.  VISITING HOURS are Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian School, 70 Jefferson St., Providence, RI 02908 or Sts. Vartanantz Armenian School, 402 Broadway, Providence, RI 02909.