Published in the December 5, 2019 edition.

WAKEFIELD — Alexander Eghia Geljookian, born in 1924, died December 2, 2019. Affectionately known as “Al” and “Grampy” to all.

Al grew up in Dorchester and was a longtime resident of Wakefield since 1957. He passed peacefully at the Kaplan Hospice House in Danvers after a valiant battle with heart failure.

Al was predeceased by his parents, Eghia and Katoon (Vartikian) Geljookian of Armenia, his beloved wife of 67 years, Ann (Rigione) Geljookian, his sister Alice, brother George, sister Alice Elaine and dear grandson, Andrew Geljookian.

Al’s endless quick wit and generosity was the pleasure of all who knew him. He always had a kind word of praise to offer and was an eloquent speaker, fluent in several languages. A lover of music, he enjoyed singing and listening to opera, big bands and country music.

Serving overseas in WWII, Al was a decorated Army Master Sergeant. Having had a distinguished career as an Assistant Vice President of State Street Bank in Boston, Al was admired by many.

Ann was the love of his life; they were inseparable. Al and Ann would host incredible family holiday parties, sharing their rich history and yearly Santa and Mrs. Claus calls to countless enchanted children.

Everyone who knew him can recall stories of his explicative enthusiasm of Boston based sport teams. Super Bowl Sunday parties were unforgettable. A day would not be complete without Dad and John’s treasured phone calls to each other critiquing the latest team game; a priceless interaction to witness and one which will be sadly missed.

He took great pride in the accomplishments of his son, John, daughter Nancy, his grandsons Michael and Andy and his granddaughter, Rebecca. Al had a very special relationship with his daughter-in-law, Nancy, and truly loved spending time at his son John and Nancy’s home on Lake Winnipesaukee. He cherished his weekly breakfast and luncheon dates with his grandson, Mike, taking the opportunity to instill his words of wisdom, love of sports and enthusiasm for life with him. They thoroughly enjoyed sharing great stories with each other. Al was thrilled to learn of the birth of his great-grandchild, Dominick Alexander, son of Rebecca and Paul Damiani, this past August.

Al will be truly missed. The sound of his daily phone calls and his genuine interest of family and friends will be a difficult void to fill. We will continue to honor him with fond memories of the love he so openly shared.

Al is survived by his loving daughter, Nancy Croce and her husband Ted of Wakefield, his devoted son, John Geljookian and his wife Nancy of Alton Bay, N.H., his dedicated grandson, Michael Geljookian and his wife Megan of Alton Bay, N.H., his talented granddaughter, Rebecca Damiani and her husband Paul of Walpole and great-grandson, Dominick Damiani of Walpole.

He will be greatly missed by his cherished sister, Mary Bennett of San Diego, Calif., nieces and nephews Donna Delaney, Michael Gentile, Theresa, Alice, Ernie, Ann, as well as, great nieces Kelsey, Talia and Samantha, his many friends and extended family.

A private funeral service, in celebration of Al’s life, will be held at McDonald Funeral Home, Wakefield on Saturday, December 7. Interment will be at Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield.