Paul Peter Korian

Paul Korian Obituary – A life well lived.

Paul Peter Korian, or as some know him, Bedros Boghos, sadly left us on March 15, 2023, at the age of 78.  As a dedicated and passionate husband, father, friend and mentor, Paul was both a deeply faithful servant of the church and a gregarious entrepreneur involved in business and many meaningful projects around the world. Paul, along with his parents and two sisters, Veronica, and Sonia, came to the United States from Jerusalem in October of 1956. Born in Bethlehem to the late Bedros and Takouhi (Keuroghlanian) Korian, he graduated with honors from Northeastern University in 1969, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy.

Paul started his long and successful business career as a local pharmacist at Osco Drugs store, where he climbed quickly to company management. Paul married Anoush Dodakian in July of 1969 and started their family in Watertown and Belmont, Massachusetts and were blessed with three children, Peter, Steven, and Karen.

In 1985, Paul was approached by the late Tom Stemberg and Leo Khan to join a new business venture called Staples. Paul joined this startup as a founding member and was key to Staples exponential growth, worldwide recognition and becoming a Fortune 500 company.  As a personal endeavor, he partnered with several friends and Armenian business colleagues to purchase, renovate, and re-launch what is known today as the Marriot Hotel Armenia. Paul and Ann also opened a travel agency which they successfully grew together, and much later he invested and advised his sons on growing an international software technology business.

Growing up in the Armenian quarter in Jerusalem had a profound impact on Paul, as he learned the importance and value of giving back to his Armenian community. Paul was an extremely active and dedicated member of St. James Armenian Apostolic Church in Watertown and served on the altar as a Deacon.  Paul also served as Parish Council Chairman and Treasurer for more than 10 years, starting at the age of 35 years old. Paul was bestowed and decorated with the prestigious St. Nercses Shnorhali Medal for all the years of his service to the Armenian community.

Paul is survived by his wife Ann and their three children, Peter Paul, Steven Hovannes and Karen Anoush.  Peter is married to Kristen Korian and has two children, Sosi and Paul.  Steven has three children, Steven, Garen and Caroline and is married to Deborah Korian.  Karen is married to Andrew Shoushanian and they have three children, Nadine, Martin and Zaven.  All of Paul’s children and grandchildren’s lives will continue to be shaped by his charisma, teachings, and love. 

Paul accomplished so much in his life and defined the concept of, “the American Dream”.  He arrived through Ellis Island in 1956 at eleven years old and then lost his father just 3 months later.  He worked harder than most, which defined him in many ways.  One of Paul’s greatest joys was taking his boat out from his home in West Yarmouth, aptly named “Hye Dune”, and cruising the Nantucket Sound to Martha’s Vineyard for lunch and the ocean view.  Paul spent a lot of time in Cape Cod and loved the beach, especially when his grandchildren would come to visit. He was fortunate to see many of them become young adults.

Paul’s legacy will be remembered as a strong and proud Armenian and the much beloved Patriarch of his loving family. His tenacity and work ethic were second to none and his charitable and community work helped countless people. 

Paul will be missed by all who knew him, but his presence and life will be felt for generations. 

May he rest peacefully now, as he joins his beloved mother and father and so many others. No doubt, Paul will certainly be sharing genuine conversation, catching up on things long awaited, always with his favorite old-fashioned donut and Dunkin coffee in hand.

Visitation Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. until Paul's 1:00 p.m. Funeral Service at St. John Armenian Church.

Entombment Service to follow at 2:20 p.m. at Glen Eden Memorial Park Cemetery 35667 Eight Mile Road, Livonia, MI.  

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Paul are to 100 Hyes, 52131 Pierce Drive, Northville, MI  48167.