George Odian

George Geragos Odian was born in New York City, New York in 1933. He is preceded in death by his parents Kazar and Bagzada Odian who were Armenian immigrants and survivors of the Armenian Genocide. He is survived by son Dr. Michael J. Odian (Maureen), granddaughters Mary B. and Michaela and brother Mesrob Odian (Sandra).

He was a lifelong resident of NYC and enjoyed the pace of the city. He was also a lifelong fan of the Yankees which more often than not brought him great joy.

He began his studies in the New York City educational system graduating from City College of New York with a Bachelor’s in Chemistry. He obtained his Doctorate in Chemistry from Columbia University.

He began teaching at Columbia University and then taught at the College of Staten Island for over 50 years. He was a chairman of the Chemistry Department at CSI and was well published in his field of polymer chemistry. He was the author of the preeminent text of polymer chemistry as well as co-author of many other publications. His undergraduate and graduate students are numerous and worldwide.

In March 2015, The American Chemical Society Division of Polymer Chemistry honored him with its most prestigious award. He loved his family and spent as much time with them as he could, as well as following his passion to teach no matter the subject. He enjoyed cooking as well as photography, hobbies enjoyed since his teenage years. In his last days he followed his passion of solving chemistry equations and teaching students at his bedside.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Armenian EyeCare Project, https://eyecareproject.com/one-time-donation/ or to the Tammy Fund at St. Illuminator's Armenian Apostolic Cathedral.