Berge Harootiun Markarian

In appreciation for the life’s work and longevity of Dr. Berge H. Markarian, we announce his passing at age 98 ½ of natural causes, at home surrounded by his family. After serving as a Lieutenant of the Medical Corps in support of the Allied Army during the Korean War, Dr. Markarian emigrated to the United States with just $20 in his pocket, serving first as Chief Resident of the Bronx Hospital, Bronx, NY and later as Chief Resident Physician in Obstetrics & Gynecology at Mount Sinai Hospital, Miami Beach, Florida.

He became a proud and grateful citizen of the United States on June 1, 1960, and began his medical practice in Miami shortly thereafter, ultimately delivering over 4,500 babies as a part of his obstetrics practice. He was also passionate about female health and eradicating female cancers, offering treatment to all persons, rich and poor, no matter their walk in life. When the influx of the Cuban diaspora in Miami became controversial to some, he studied and learned Spanish so he could communicate well with all of his patients and make them feel welcome and well cared for. Dr. Markarian was also a top surgeon. He was a Diplomate of the American College of Surgeons and also of the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology; and was Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology. He also served as a Clinical Professor of Surgery at the University of Miami’s Medical School.

Dr. Markarian’s crowning professional achievement, along with 21 of his colleagues, was the formation of Palmetto General Hospital in Miami, which he and his fellow founders built and operated, and dedicated to top notch, patient-focused care. His proudest personal achievement was his marriage of 65 years to his late wife Meline; and together they spent more than 30 years together in retirement, often in the company of his late son Daniel, a teacher at William Dwyer High School, his six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

He loved America, traveled to all 50 states and voraciously consumed books on American political history and politics. He particularly loved and respected George H.W. Bush and despite being a (nearly) lifelong Republican, counted Harry Truman amongst his favorite presidents, because of the 1952 passage of immigration reform which afforded visas to those with specialized skills and education. Growing up as a part of the Christian minority in a predominantly Muslim nation shaped his world view. He had deep appreciation and respect for the character and mindset of America’s minority groups and immigrants, remained religious throughout his life, and served as a member and ordained Deacon of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic church in Miami.

He was delighted to spend his last few years as a resident of Palm Beach Gardens with his son and daughter, Dave and Soli Markarian and accompanied by so many of their friends, both in Florida and at the summer home that he loved in Banner Elk, North Carolina. Among Dr. Markarian’s last words, were: "...the American Dream materialized…"

Services will be conducted by Father Vartan Joulfayan at 11:00am on Friday, February 6, 2026 at Howard-Quattlebaum Dignity Funeral Home, located at 754 U.S. Highway 1, North Palm Beach, FL 33408 Internment services will follow at 1:30pm on Friday, February 6, 2026 at Boca Raton Cemetery and Mausoleum, located at 451 SW 4th Avenue, Boca Raton, FL 33432 (Ph. 561-339-7748).

A Celebration of Life & Remembrance will be held by the family at 5pm on Friday, February 6. 2026 in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, concluding at 7:30pm. For further details, please email Dave Markarian at [email protected] or call 202-412-7007.”