In Loving Memory

 John M. Azarian, Sr.
John M. Azarian, Sr.(1928-1976)
Barbara Azarian-McCullough, Ph.D.,
Barbara Azarian-McCullough, Ph.D.,Our Founder (1938-2012)
Martin G. AzarianProperty Manager (1965-2009)
Paul E. McCullough(1939-2007)

Remembering Marty

By Barbara Azarian McCullough

Martin G. Azarian passed away on April 18, 2009. The Azarian family wanted to honor Marty and keep his memory alive.

Marty grew up in Wyckoff, New Jersey and graduated from Ramapo High School. He graduated in 2000 from St. Thomas Aquinas College  (STAC) in Sparkill, New York. He was an Assistant Property Manager for The Azarian Group, L.L.C. and was a fireman with the Wyckoff Fire Department Company #1 for over 20 years.

Marty was a big fan of the Yankees, and enjoyed playing all sports. He also enjoyed visiting firehouses and interacting with other firemen, American History and traveling.

Barbara Azarian McCullough always tried to instill in her sons to have goals and to work to attain those goals. Marty always had 3 goals in life that he worked to achieve – to graduate college, get married, and become a fireman. The Azarian Family was so proud of Marty for having worked so hard and attaining his goals.

Marty was not physically able to pass the fireman’s test but because he worked so hard and was so dedicated, the firemen of Company 1 in Wyckoff made him an Honorary Fireman. Marty wasn’t allowed to go to fires, for liability reasons, but they put Marty in charge of staying at the fire house and directing firemen to fires. Marty took this job very seriously and derived satisfaction from this important role. Marty also helped with Fire Prevention Week at the firehouse.

Marty graduated from STAC with a Bachelors of Arts degree. It was difficult, at times, for Marty to complete his courses but he persevered and did graduate. Dr. Margaret Fitzpatrick, President of STAC, and a wonderful personal friend, personally spent time with Marty helping him complete his courses. Marty was so happy when he graduated!

Chronologically, last but certainly not least, was Marty getting married. Marty was so in love with his wife Gigi and even in his later days when his health was failing he only wanted to be with Gigi. Gigi was a wonderful, loving and supportive wife who endured some difficult times with Marty near the end.

We did some special things in Marty’s memory. First, we donated a new patio behind Fire Company 1 in Wyckoff, which was dedicated to Marty. It has a bronze plaque, with Marty’s likeness and name.

The second item we did was establish as scholarship program at St. Thomas Aquinas College in Marty’s name.

When Marty passed away, the Firemen approached us and asked if they could do a special “Firemen’s Service” in Marty’s memory. We had no idea what that entailed, but of course we were honored and said yes. The special Firemen’s Service began the evening of Marty’s viewing when at least 30 firemen, in full dress uniform, came to the service. That was so touching, but only the beginning. The next morning the firemen arrived with no less than 7 fire trucks (thank God there wasn’t a fire in Wyckoff!) filled with firemen in dress uniforms, and placed Marty on the first truck.

We then proceeded from the Funeral Home to St. Leon Armenian Church in Fair Lawn, via back roads. As we passed people on the road they didn’t know if we were a parade or going to a fire! When the church service was over we had about 70 cars (in addition to the 7 fire trucks) which then proceeded to the Cemetery in Wyckoff. On the way the fire trucks went back to the fire house. We didn’t know what was planned or what to expect. They stopped in front of the fire house garage and slowly opened the garage doors. The garages were, of course, empty since the trucks were in our procession, and sitting there in the empty garage was Marty’s Fireman’s uniform propped up. It was incredibly touching! The firemen then came to the cemetery and many ultimately came to the repass lunch. This special “Firemen’s Service” truly was special!

The Dedication of the Marty Azarian Memorial Patio at Company # 1

The Azarian Family wanted to honor Marty and his devotion to the firehouse, so we donated the cost to erect a new patio behind Company #1, which was dedicated on October 16, 2010.

The Fire Chief pointed out that all 25 members were in attendance for the dedication, and that NEVER HAPPENS. All were there because they had fond and special memories of Marty and wanted to share them with his family and honor Marty’s memory.