George C. Atamian

He was the beloved son of George Atamian, a revolutionary fighter who served under General Antranig during the 1915 Armenian Genocide, and Priscilla Akabi (Marzbanian) Atamian. George served in the United States Marine Corps from 1956-1962. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Earth Science and Biology, and a Master of Science, magna cum laude, from Central Connecticut State College. He married Maryann Hamparian on June 14, 1959.

George was an exceptional educator, scientist, astronomer, and inventor. He was innovative and inspiring to his students and peers. George was Co-Founder of the Talcott Mountain Science Center in Avon, CT which opened in 1967 on a former Nike missile tracking site. The science center was a place for hands-on, inquiry-based learning for students. It originated nationwide educational projects under the U.S. Department of Education and the National Science Foundation. George joined Bushnell, a division of Bausch and Lomb, where he worked in the Astronomical Telescope Division, which moved him to Upland, California in 1987. In 1992, he began work at Educational Insights, where he was actively responsible for product development and sourcing of educational toys. George also proudly served as the President of The Amazing Live Sea Monkeys where he remained until his retirement. In his free time, George traveled extensively, and had a love for the outdoors. He loved to hike, run, and fish.

George is survived by his beloved wife Maryann Atamian, of 66 years, and his three children Elizabeth Atamian, and her partner Cameron Santa Cruz, George C. Atamian II, and his wife Kohar, and Hope Atamian. George is also survived by his treasured grandsons Michael, Aram and Shant Atamian, and is predeceased by his beloved grandson Eric George Atamian, and his loving sisters Adrienne Dodakian and Penelope Giragosian. George is also survived by his many nieces and nephews, their spouses, their children, and grandchildren.

The family will hold a private ceremony for close friends and family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

AYF Camp Haiastan, Franklin, MA

AYF Camp Big Pines, CA