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George Semerjian Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 22, 2016.

SEMERJIAN, George G., 92, of Southampton, NY, passed September 22, 2016. Predeceased by his wife, Madelle Hegeler Semerjian. Survived by his loving sister Mary Semerjian Smith. Cherished uncle of James A. Tarzian (Susan), and Maryann Tarzian (Pat Britt). Devoted cousin to James M. Tarzian. His memory lives on in the hearts of his five grandnieces and grandnephews. Reposing at O.B. Davis Funeral Homes, 4839 Nesconset Hwy, Port Jefferson Sta., on Monday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Private service and burial at Southampton Cemetery. Family requests in lieu of flowers: St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, 630 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 10016.

Born December 31, 1923 in Brooklyn NY to Armenian immigrant parents, Levon and Makruhi (Margaret), George graduated from Brooklyn Tech High School and entered the Air Force rising to B-29 bombardier during WWII. After the war, George returned to Brooklyn and took his only ever 9am-5pm office job working for a steel reinforcing company, while lifeguarding on the summer weekends at Lake Ronkonkoma LI. There, he observed a rundown rooming house which he bought in 1950 and converted into a restaurant called the Suffolk House. This was the first page in a long catalogue of real estate foresights.

While attending Hofstra University in the 1950s, he left the steel reinforcing company and became partners with the owner of a cement ready mix company. Those two later became founding partners in 1958 when they formed the Suffolk Material and Mining Company. By 1961, much of that business had been profitably sold off and George acquired 10 acres of largely undeveloped commercial space in Whitestone, Queens, which he rezoned for light industrial use.

George acquired the Southampton Bath and Tennis Club within a few years and ran the club personally until its sale in the late 1990s. This was the first of many properties George developed over the next forty years in Southampton, under his umbrella company Meadowmere Realty and Construction, formed in the early 1970s. He converted the Irving Hotel into the residential condos on First Neck Lane and laid out the properties on Terry Court. He acquired the nearly 40 acre Coopers Farm and created an entire neighborhood of single family homes on that property, eventually building the residential condos that lay behind the Library. Well into his eighties, he transformed the Hill Street auto sites into commercial properties housing many local and national businesses.

While residing in Southampton and keeping a pied a terre in New York, George met and married Madelle Hegeler, who remained his wife until her death in 1991. Both George and Madelle were active supporters of the Southampton (Roger Memorial) Library donating time and property, as evidenced by a building wing named in her honor. George's philanthropic efforts extended to numerous local organizations and individuals, as well as maintaining his long time support of the Armenian Church. For most of his life, George ("Gago" to his family and close friends) was heavily involved in the community, serving on the Southampton Cultural Center's Board of Directors, holding various officer positions for the Long Island Builders Association, and a full time usher at St. John's Episcopal Church on South Main Street, Southampton.

"Gago" will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all those fortunate enough to have been blessed by his friendship.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for George Semerjian

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Not sure what to say?

November 11, 2017

Charles Patteson

To George's sister, Mary,
You have my deepest sympathy. Thinking of your dear mother with you at George's for Sunday night suppers in Southampton. Sincerely, Charles Patteson

January 1, 2017

jillian cassar

I was sorry to learn of his passing, which I only just learned about today,
New Year's Day, 2017. I have both fond and funny memories of him, dating back to the late l950's. He was very kind to our family.

October 3, 2016

George Semerjian was one terrific guy. Unforgettable,
irreplaceable and larger than life.

So saddened to hear of his passing. May he rest in peace.

Diane Piranian
Plandome, New York

September 29, 2016

Timothy Cunningham

To The Semerjian Family, I am saddened to hear of George's passing, although he lived a long life. I have known George for many years. I had business dealing w/ him when I was a broker. Over the years, George also gave me a lot of landlord advice, as I am a landlord also. I took him to lunch @ Silver's many years ago, as a "Thank You". I enjoyed every minute of his company. He was a classy man in every respect. I am proud to have be considered a friend. Timothy Cunningham

September 28, 2016

Beverly Bruns

My Mom, Gladys Stillman, dearly loved Mary which mean't becoming part of the Semerjian family with George as a younger brother. Mom would be he first to say that George was a witty and delightful friend, and I will second that. He had a wonderful life and I know his friends and family will greatly miss him.

September 26, 2016

September 26, 2016
George was a class act who will never be forgotten by those who knew him. I am sure he would approve this prayer.
Irving Like
Hopi Prayer
-author unknown

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am the thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint in the snow.
I am the sunlight on the ripened grain.
I am the autumn's gentle rain.
When you awaken in the morning hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush.
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there,
I did not die

September 26, 2016

Hopi Prayer
-author unknown

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am the thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint in the snow.
I am the sunlight on the ripened grain.
I am the autumn's gentle rain.
When you awaken in the morning hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush.
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there,
I did not die.

September 25, 2016

Adrienne Alexanian

George was one of a kind. He was smart and charming and had a great sense of humor. Friendship meant everything to him, and he had a profound sense of loyalty. He will be missed.

September 23, 2016

Lee Oser

George was a very good friend of many many years. My entire family will miss his wit, good humor and good cheer. God bless you, George.

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Memorial Events
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Sep

26

Reposing

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

O. B. Davis Funeral Homes

4839 Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776

Sep

26

Reposing

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

O. B. Davis Funeral Homes

4839 Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776

Funeral services provided by:

O. B. Davis Funeral Homes

4839 Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776

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