Robert V. Dorian

Dorian, Robert Varoujan, formerly of Livingston & Bay Head, NJ and Boca Raton, FL, passed away peacefully at home on February 5, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He was 94. Born on January 2, 1928, in Orange, NJ, he was the third of five children of the late Satenig (Tokatlian) and Daniel Kachadorian, immigrants who fled Turkey to escape the Armenian Genocide in the 1900’s. He graduated from Orange High School in 1945 and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He received the American Legion Award for Courage, Character, Service, Companionship, Scholarship and Leadership; all qualities that served him well in his life. A veteran, he served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Wisconsin from 1946-48. He graduated from Rutgers University and Temple University Medical School. He did his residency in Obstetrics at Margaret Hague Maternity Hospital and was chief resident in Gynecology at Jersey City Medical Center. He then went on to have a long and distinguished career as an Obstetrician Gynecologist at Saint Barnabas Medical Center. He was loved and respected by his patients and brought thousands of babies into the world.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Mariam Berberian Dorian. They met at an Armenian Church Youth Organization (ACYOA) meeting as teenagers and married in 1953. They were together for over 78 years. He was predeceased by his father-in-law, Setrag Berberian whom he greatly respected. As a teenager, Bob worked side by side with Setrag at his restaurant, Seth's Bar and Grill in Newark, NJ. In 1960, he helped Setrag close the restaurant and they moved to Livingston where Bob started his medical practice. He was predeceased by his older brothers, Daniel (and Helene) and Edward (and Ethel). He was also pre-deceased by his cherished son, Robert Setrag. They shared a love of humor, photography, medicine, and travel. He is survived by his daughters, Kim Jamgochian (and George) and MaryJan Kelly (and Michael); daughter-in-law, Linda and nine beloved grandchildren, Rose (and Emma), Zoe, Marielle, Lucine, Seta, Vanessa, George, Ani & Taline; great grandson, Bodhi; brother, Seth (and Betty), sister, Nancy (and Jack) and a large and loving extended family of cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Throughout his life, Bob was particularly interested in researching and treating women holistically and using evidenced based strategies to minimize their pain and distress. Improving women’s health was his singular focus, long before it became mainstream. He was active his entire life in the Armenian Church and prided himself on re-locating St. Mary Armenian Church from Irvington to Livingston, NJ where he served as Executive Secretary of the Building Committee, an active member of the Y.P.A., a Sunday School Teacher and the Church Historian. He served as Master of Ceremony at many church events throughout the years, entertaining and sharing the history of the church.

Bob loved opening his home to many family and dear lifelong friends. He had a great sense of humor and loved sharing new jokes. In retirement, he enjoyed designing and renovating his homes, always with his family’s happiness in mind. His greatest love was bringing his wife, children, and grandchildren together. He was an enthusiast of travel and American & Armenian History. He loved to play Backgammon (Tavloo) which he played up until the very end. An avid golfer, he was a life-time member of Essex Fells and Broken Sound Country Clubs and he never stopped searching for the perfect swing.

Funeral Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the St. Mary Armenian Church Endowment Fund at St. Mary Armenian Church, 200 West Mt Pleasant Ave. Livingston NJ 07039.