Charles Haig Abdalian Jr.

Charles H. Abdalian, Jr. (Chuck) passed away on August 23, 2025 at his home in Dennis, Massachusetts. He is survived by his beloved wife, Therese L. Abdalian (Terry), also of Dennis and his dog, Olive. Terry cherished the nearly 40 years she shared with Chuck. They were filled with joy and love. Chuck died from complications of ALS after over 7 years. He was 75 years old.

Chuck was a native of Belmont, Massachusetts. He was predeceased by his father, Charles H. Abdalian, Sr., his mother, Alice (Avedisian) Abdalian, and his only and younger sibling, Owen R. Abdalian.

Chuck learned the qualities that shaped him as an adult from working with his extended family - Aunts, Uncles, and many Cousins - every summer on a small family farm in Methuen, Massachusetts. This experience taught him to be fiercely independent, self-reliant, mentally and physically tough, and a critical thinker. These relationships and memories stayed with him his entire life.

After graduating from Norwich University in Vermont, Chuck served for three years in the US Army as a commissioned officer with distinction. Following his service, Chuck received an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Chuck was co-founder of Checkmate Pharmaceuticals in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and a biotechnology senior executive for more than 25 years. He was respected for his strength of character, his sense of humor, his integrity, and his speaking truth to power. He acted as a role model and mentor to generations of young men and women.

Chuck's remains have been donated to Massachusetts General Hospital for ALS research, after which he will be cremated. No services will be held.

Donations in Chuck's memory may be made to the Chuck and Terry Abdalian Fund for ALS Research at the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital. Gifts can be made online at because.massgeneral.org/Chuck or mailed to Alexandra Van Strien, MGH Development Office, 125 Nashua St., Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114. Checks should be made payable to Mass General Hospital. Please denote that gifts are in memory of Charles Abdalian in the memo line.