On this sad occasion, the Pastor, Board of Trustees, and all the auxiliary bodies of St. Sarkis Church, extend their heartfelt sympathy to George’s family members.

George was born on January 30, 1924, in Detroit to the late Antranig and Sophie Arakelian.

He lived a life of service to his family, his country, his faith and his Armenian heritage. He touched the lives of countless people including his students, his community and his country.

He graduated from Western High School in Detroit in 1941. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II, and served from 1943-1945 on the European front in the 10th Medical Lab. Sargeant Arakelian was honorably discharged in November, 1945.

He then continued his studies in the sciences at Wayne State University that he had started before the Army. He graduated with a teaching degree, and would later also earn a Master’s Degree in Education. He worked for the Detroit Public Schools for 30 years, teaching math and science to lower and upper elementary school students.

George was actively involved in the Armenian Apostolic Church for many years. He served as the first Superintendent of the Sunday School at St. Sarkis Apostolic Church which he founded in the 1950’s; he was instrumental in developing the curriculum and organizing the program. He was a dedicated member of the building committee from 1956-1962, after which the new St. Sarkis Church was built in Dearborn, and continued his service to the church for many years thereafter.

He was an avid bowler and enjoyed bowling in a League. He spent many summer days with his family at his parents’ lakeside home in Clarkston beginning in the early 1950. After retirement, he had time to travel and spent winters in Florida with his wife. He took great pleasure in attending the hockey, baseball and soccer games of his grandchildren and never missed a birthday, graduation or wedding of his family and friends. He will be truly missed.

FAMILY MEMBERS

George was a loving husband to the late Zabel (Gononian) for 70 years and the father of four children, Helen Knar (Michael) Cirrito, George Vartan Arakelian, Christine (Stepan) Kanarian, and Paul (Sema) Arakelian. He was blessed with seven grandchildren: Andrea Cirrito, Michael Cirrito, Gregory (Julina) Kanarian, Marcus (Diane) Arakelian, the late Stephen Arakelian, Anoush (Dylan) Arakelian, and Armen (Liana) Arakelian and four great-grandchildren: Linnea Zabel, Thomas George, Larz Antranig and Tali Rose. Dear brother of the late Edward Mugerdich Arakelian and the late Lillian Shoushanig Arakelian. Survived by sister-in-law, Ida Gononian. George will also be missed by his nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.



SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS

Visitation Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service at St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, 19300 Ford Road, Dearborn.

Visitation will continue on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. until his Funeral service at 11:00 a.m.

U.S. Military Honors to be done Friday, October 2, 2026, at 11:45 a.m. at the St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church.  

Private family Burial to take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, MI.

MEMORIAL DONATIONS

In lieu of flowers memorial donations are to St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church or Manoogian Manor.

CONDOLENCES

To send a loving message and view George’s obituary, please go to www.ekfh.net.

May God rest his soul in eternal peace.