Peter Markarian, 81, of Millbury, MA and Estero, FL passed away peacefully at home, on Friday April 11, 2008, surrounded by his loving family.

   He leaves his wife of 42 years, Priscilla "Dolly" (Hilli) Markarian; a son, Jeffrey Markarian of Millbury, MA and a daughter, Lisa and her husband, John LaBossiere of Worcester, MA; one brother, Charles Markarian of Worcester, MA; two grandchildren, J. Colton and Ashlyn Markarian and many nephews and nieces, all whom he loved dearly.

   Peter was the son of Peter and Sarah (Aslanian) Markarian. He was predeceased by his four brothers, Anthony, Harold, George, Aram and one sister, Jennie Barsamian.

   Mr. Markarian served in the United States Army during World War II with the 106th infantry Division in Europe. He was a member of the American Legion Post 341 in Worcester, MA and the VFW Post in Fort Myers, FL.

   Peter worked as a industrial pipe insulator for more than 40 years. He worked for Riley Stoker, Inc. and Worcester Industrial Insulation Company. He was a member of the Asbestos Workers Union Local #6. He retired in 1988.

   From 1976 to 1979, Peter and Dolly owned and operated the Mount Ararat Armenian Restaurant located on Grafton Street in Worcester, MA.

   Peter spent his retirement doing what he loved best, helping people. He volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and a Hunger Relief effort, Wake Up America of Southwest Florida, Inc.. In 2004, Peter and Dolly were both awarded the Southwest Florida Volunteers of the Year Award for their truly selfless devotion to helping others. For Peter, making someone laugh was reward enough. His sense of humor will be greatly missed.

   The funeral for Peter will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 10 AM at the Armenian Church of Our Saviour, 87 Salisbury Street, Worcester. Burial will follow at the Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. Calling Hours will be held at the Nordgren Memorial Chapel at 300 Lincoln Street from 5-8 PM on Monday, April 14, 2008. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wake Up America of Southwest Florida, Inc. PO Box 1654, Ft. Myers, FL 33902 or to the Armenian Church of Our Saviour located at 87 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609.