Sarkis Kerbeckian (extended obituary)

Sarkis "Bob" Kerbeckian, age 85, of Pinehurst, ID, passed away at the Shoshone Medical Center in Kellogg, ID, on Sunday, February 4, 2018. He was a former longtime resident of Philadelphia, PA, having just recently moved to Idaho to live with his daughter and family.

Sarkis was born on May 3, 1932 in College Point, Long Island, New York, son of the late Khoren and Sapega Kerbeckian, and grandson of the late Zaruhi Ajdaharian. He was also preceded in death by his wife of nearly 36 years, Diane, as well his sister, Jervina Vishabazoon. He was a devoted family man and friend.

He is survived by his daughter Jennifer (Andrew) Fine; grandson Scott Schultz, Jr.; sister Victoria (Henry) Kachadourian; brother-in-law Philip Vishabazoon; niece Corinne (Richard) Khederian and their children Henry and Victoria ; nephew Mark (Nora) Kachadourian and their children Melanie, Jacqueline, and Henry.

Sarkis was born to parents who were from Armenia and came to America to escape the Armenian Genocide and make a better life for their family. He was very proud of his Armenian heritage and spoke fluent Armenian. Sarkis attended St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church of Philadelphia, and was a former member with his sister, Jervina, of the Armenian Knar Choral Group. The highlight of his membership of the Choral Group was performing at the Philadelphia Academy of Music.

Sarkis, who lived and worked most of his entire life in Philadelphia, was a retired master tool and die maker well regarded in his profession for his incredible acumen in his work. He had a passion for photography owning professional cameras and creating his personal darkroom to develop his photos. His subjects ranged from family members, landscapes or whatever caught his eye at the time. He also loved spending time with family at the family's New Jersey shore home where he enjoyed the water on his boat, barbequing kebab for family gatherings, and treating his daughter to boardwalk outings.

Sarkis was a kind and generous soul who loved to visit with his daughter and grandson during his retirement. He would drive to Ventnor, New Jersey to see them regularly and took the greatest joy in spending time with them.

A viewing will be held at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church, 8701 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19128 on Monday, February 12, 2018 at 10:00am, service to follow at 11:00am. Interment will be at Lawnview Cemetary, 500 Huntingdon Pike, Rockledge, PA 19046, immediately after. Funeral arrangements are being handled by McCafferty-Sweeney Funeral Home of Philadelphia. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in memory of Sarkis may be made to St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church.