Archie Apkarian

Archie Apkarian died at The Marley House in Prescott, Arizona on January 29th, 2019, of complications related to Parkinson’s disease.  He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Carol; his daughter from his first marriage, Gayle Apkarian of North Andover, Massachusetts; his stepson Michael Viola of Phoenix, Arizona;  grand children, great grand children and nieces and nephews.  Archie was two weeks shy of his 92nd birthday. 

Archie was born to Armenian immigrant parents on a family farm in Methuen, Massachusetts on February 10th, 1927.  He grew up speaking only Armenian until attending school.  He worked on the farm with his father and neighboring family farmers.  The extended family opened a small produce store in the South End of Boston in the mid-30’s and Archie helped in the store after school.  They returned to the farm and Archie attended Edward F. Searles High School in Methuen, where he graduated in 1944. 

Archie’s lifetime love of art and design began in high school, and upon graduation he enrolled in the Cambridge School of Design.  In early1945 his studies were interrupted when he was drafted into the United States Army.  He received basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia and then volunteered for airborne training.  Archie received his paratrooper wings and was assigned to the South Pacific near the end of World War II.  He was stationed in Japan and served in General MacArthur’s Honor Guard during the Army of Occupation.  He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1947. 

Archie returned to his studies of art and design and graduated from the School of Practical Art in Boston.  He then pursued his new career in New York City and worked at the Ross Art  Studio on Columbus Circle.  After several years he and an associate, Marshal Baer, opened their own studio, Apkarian and Baer, on Madison Avenue.  The studio prospered and Archie’s career as a Graphic Designer blossomed, affording him recognition and creative awards within the advertising professional organizations in New York City.  The studio closed its doors in 1971 as both founding partners wished to pursue other interests. 

It was at Apkarian and Baer that Archie first met Carol who was employed by the studio as a graphic artist.  They fell deeply in love and decided to move to Southern California, where Carol had family, to begin a new life together.  Along with Carol’s young son, Michael, they resided in Newport Beach and opened their own design studio, Madison West, in 1973.  The studio was highly successful earning Madison West numerous awards in the Los Angeles and Southern California Advertising and Marketing communities. 

During this time, Archie and Carol enjoyed a beautiful and loving life together.  They traveled all over the West Coast, the Southwest, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada and Mexico. They visited Ireland, England and Italy.  They worked together and spent happy times with family and friends.  They welcomed house guests from the East Coast and Europe.  They entertained regularly and Archie became a wonderful gourmet chef. 

In 1995 Archie officially retired.  They stayed in Newport Beach until 2006, when Carol retired.  At that time they decided to move to Prescott, Arizona.  Archie and Carol have loved living in Northern Arizona and have created a loving home there together.  Archie revived his farmer’s green thumb and together they grew tomatoes, squash, eggplant, cucumbers and herbs.  He became an avid reader in his later years and also loved good movies, old and new. 

In 2016 Archie was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease along with PSP (progressive supra nuclear palsy).  Although he reacted extremely well to his medications and therapy treatments the diseases finally caught up with him.  He became extremely weak and contracted pneumonia and died within a few days. He was preceded in death by his son Gary Apkarian.

Archie is remembered by all who knew him as a handsome, happy, funny, smart and elegant man.  He is remembered by his wife Carol as her heart and soul, her life’s worth and meaning, her joy and her purpose.