Mr. Albert M. Shanazarian

Albert M. Shanazarian, Army Veteran, age 88, passed away on November 10, 2013. He relocated to Florida after retiring from Sara Lee Corporation in the mid-80's. Father of Alla (Abe) Schneider, Natalie, and Leon Shanazarian. Grandfather of Edward (Inna) Schneider and great grandfather of Michelle Schneider. Other surviving family members include his cousin Leon (Mary) Shahnasarian and nephews Michael (Jeannie) and George Shahnasarian. His brother Edward (Michele) and his sister Ella predeceased him. In lieu of flowers, donations to Armenian All Saints Apostolic Church, 1701 N. Greenwood, Glenview, IL 60026 or St. Hagop Armenian Church, 7020 90th Ave, Pinellas Park, FL 33782 would be appreciated. Albert Michael Shahnasarian, son of Michael and Elizabeth Shahnasarian, was born in Krasnador, Ukraine, on August 1, 1925. He passed-on in Tampa, Florida, on November 10, 2013. In between those years he did a great deal of living. ***** Most people remember Uncle Albert for, among other things, his athletic prowess, his many years of service with Sara Lee Corporation, his culinary skills, his affinity for women (especially younger women), and his quick wit, positive disposition, and sense of humor. ***** Growing-up in Eastern Europe, Latvia, and eventually Germany during the years preceding World War II, the war years, and the post-war years - to say the least - was tough. Uncle Albert made the most of it. As a youth, Uncle Al distinguished himself as an accomplished soccer player, playing on the national Latvian team, excelling in international matches, and being selected as a member of the European All Star Team. He also played soccer professionally in the United States. I grew-up hearing stories about Nana - beloved grandmother and surrogate mother of Uncle Albert and my father - interfering with Uncle Al’s soccer games in Riga, Latvia. Legend has it that the young men played soccer from morning-to-night during the war years. A particularly memorable story involves Nana going to the neighborhood soccer field to summon home Uncle Al and my dad at the end of the day for the family’s supper meal. Engrossed in their soccer match, the young men ignored her. Somehow, Nana got the soccer ball, put a knife in it, and made a swift end to the scrimmage! No one messed with Nana after that. ***** Uncle Albert was the first Shahnasarian to immigrate to the United States: he did so in 1946, under the sponsorship of the Armenian Dashnak organization. Uncle Sam promptly greeted him to America. Following his discharge from the Army, Uncle Al helped his father establish two popular Armenian restaurants in Chicago’s downtown north side: Marquis and Bon-Ton. He developed his interests and skills in pastry-making during this time, which led to the beginning of his long career in research and development with Sara Lee. Uncle Al retired from Sara Lee during the early 1980s. Among his proudest moments with the company was being selected head-baker of the cake commemorating the United States bicentennial celebration in Philadelphia in 1976. We have a plaque with a picture he was awarded for this on display here. ***** Regarding his culinary skills, according to Uncle Albert, he made the best shish-ke-bob in the world! Needless to say, this assertion was hotly contested in our family. He also boasted about his paska – an Easter-time bread-like pastry - and cake-making talents. Those debates went uncontested: Uncle Albert was the best. ***** I would be remiss not to mention Uncle Al’s love of animals. Tiger, his big boxer in Waukegan, Vasca, his cat and housemate for umpteen years in Florida (Uncle Al claimed Vaska was 35 years-old), and, more recently, visits from our pooch – Freddie. Uncle Al loved animals. And then there were the ladies . . . Uncle Al seemed to always have an eye for the young, pretty ones. During his last days - when things were not going well, and he was only intermittently alert - my wife, Jeannie, and mother, Michele, briefed me on a visit with him in the intensive care unit. Uncle Al’s life-long instincts rallied, and his health problems momentarily took a back seat. He quickly oriented himself and, with his characteristic twinkle in his eye and flash of his endearing grin, snapped, “So, to what do I owe the honor of having these 2 beautiful ladies visiting me?!!” ***** Uncle Albert’s legacy includes 3 children: Alla, Natalie, and Leon. He also has a grandson, Edward, and a great-granddaughter, Michelle. Other survivors include his cousin, Leon, and Leon’s wife Mary; and, his sister-in-law, Michele. He also leaves 2 nephews: Michael, me, and Jeannie, and George. George’s wife, Karen, also loved Uncle Al. ***** Soon, Uncle Albert will be laid to rest next to his father, Michael, and near our other Shahnasarian family members. These include Nana; brother, Edward; uncle, George, and George’s wife, Gala; and, uncle Fora and his wife Nadine, along with their son, Serge. As we celebrate Uncle Albert’s life and mourn our loss of him, please join me in taking solace knowing he will lie next to his beloved family members. Further, please pray with me, in our faith in God and belief in life hereafter, to one day be reunited in our savior’s kingdom with him and all others dear to us. May God save us. ***** In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. ***** On behalf of Uncle Albert and our family, our heartfelt thank you to Der Hayer Zareh. Uncle Albert wished to be buried by an Armenian priest, and Fr. Sahakian has been wonderful during our time of mourning. We will have a requiem service for Uncle Albert at St. Hagop Armenian Church in Florida.

Mr. Albert M. Shanazarian

August 1, 1925 - November 10, 2013