Published April 19, 2019
MELROSE — Michael Mouradian, 92, founder of Melrose Oriental Rug and former longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 14, 2019, at Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester.
Michael was born in Dorchester on July 3, 1926 to Armenian parents, the late Garabed and Araxy (Devellian) Mouradian. One of two children, Michael was raised in Everett and graduated from Everett High School. Michael was a proud graduate of Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy on Long Island in New York. He took night classes at Northeastern University to complete his bachelor’s degree.
He then worked on jet engines at the Riverworks plant for General Electric from 1947 until 1954, before entering the United States Navy. Michael served his country proudly as a Lieutenant from 1954 until 1956 during the Korean War until he was honorably discharged and returned to work at General Electric until his retirement in 1983. As an employee of GE, he was the recipient of many awards for his dedicated engineering work. On November 2, 1958, he was married to Nancy Kasparian and they settled in Melrose to raise a family of three children.
With deep drive, ambition, and an entrepreneurial spirit, Michael established several successful businesses. In 1976, he founded E-Z Way Products Co. as a supplier of various products to make life easier. He handcrafted the “Traveling BBQ” as the first ever way to have a portable grill. Michael also wrote a book entitled “Life & Laughter” to bring a smile to people who needed it.
In 1978, Michael founded the family business, Melrose Oriental Rug in Franklin Square. Now operated by the second generation of the Mouradian family, the rug business specializes in sales and service of handmade, high quality oriental rugs to customers throughout New England. Michael was Past President of the Oriental Rug Retailers Association of Massachusetts, and a member of Melrose Rotary Club for several years.
Michael’s dedication and drive to succeed was only surpassed by his devotion and love for family. Throughout life, he always wanted to provide different experiences for his three children. With a lifelong love for the water, he and Nancy rented a house for several years on Wingaersheek beach in Gloucester during summer vacation. In 1989, while on a trip to buy rugs, he spontaneously purchased a home on Cape Cod in Hyannis which served as a weekend getaway for family for many years. At the Cape, Michael was able to relax with walks on the beach and competitive racquetball matches with family.
Michael also enjoyed vacations to Bermuda with Nancy, boating on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, and spending time on the Swift River on the Kancamagus Highway. As man who loved being on the water, Michael also built a 25 foot Trimaran sailboat in the backyard which the family enjoyed together for several years.
Loyal, generous and helpful, Michael set an example for his family to follow. He lived by the motto “enthusiasm is the spice of life” and led a life full of spontaneous adventure and great ambition. He will be greatly missed, but always lovingly remembered.
Michael was the beloved husband of Nancy (Kasparian) Mouradian with whom he shared 60 years of marriage. Devoted father of Carol A. Mouradian of Melrose, Lora P. Burroughs and her husband Chad of Berlin, and David C. Mouradian and his wife Regina of Wakefield. Dear brother of the late Rose Juskalian. Cherished grandfather of Kristina Pappas and Michael, Elena and Lisa Mouradian.
Relatives and friends will gather in honor and remembrance of Michael’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Monday, April 22 from 4-8 p.m., and for his funeral service celebrated at St. James Armenian Apostolic Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown on Tuesday at 11 a.m. Interment with U.S. Navy honors at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge. Gifts in Michael’s memory may be made to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Foundation Inc., c/o Midshipman Morale Fund, 300 Steamboat Rd., Kings Point, NY 11024, or to St. James Armenian Apostolic Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472. For online tribute, or directions visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com
