Edward Kechejian

Edward (Eddie) Setrak Kechejian was born December 2, 1933, the first child of Oscar S. Kechejian and Charlotte Kechejian. He lived his early years in Washington Heights, New York. The family then moved to New Rochelle, New York where the family grew to include a sister, Madeline and a brother Gregory. Eddie attended New Rochelle High School where he wrestled, played football and baseball. He also followed in his father’s footsteps and played the violin beginning at age 10. After high school, he attended Duke University, then transferred to Ithica college where he earned his undergraduate degree. Ed performed in stage productions for the first time while at Ithica, and fell in love with theater.  He later earned his Master’s Degree while teaching. Following college, Eddie served in the Army and played violin in the Army 7th Symphony Orchestra. While serving in Germany he met and soon married his first wife, Jenny (Dieu), who he remained close with throughout his life. They had three wonderful children; Eric, Christine and Paul. Eddie began his teaching career in Manhattan and the Bronx. When the family moved to Rockland County, New York in the early 60’s, he was hired as an English teacher at Spring Valley High School where he remained until retiring in 1989.  Eddie enjoyed many things. He played the violin with the Rockland Suburban Symphony Orchestra, gave violin lessons, acted and directed in local theater, and enjoyed holding rehearsals, and acting in, the faculty theater/improv group. He also enjoyed watching sports, playing paddleball, jogging and doing auto body repair. Eddie loved to socialize and get together with friends, which he did often. He also loved to laugh and had a great sense of humor. After retiring he moved to Sarasota Florida with his second wife Lynn. Here he lived life to the fullest. He continued directing and acting in local theater, joined chamber music groups, began crafting his own violins, violas and bows, watched the N.Y. Yankee games with the love of his life Lynn, and simply enjoyed the freedom of retirement. Eddie was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, in-law and friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Edward is survived by his loving and devoted wife Lynn; his adoring children Eric (Mary), Christine Miles (Jerrold), and Paul (Sara), and grandchildren, Nicholas, Mary, Morgan, Allyx, Matthew, Samantha, Wesley and Isabella; and his siblings, Madeline Magarian and Gregory Kechejian.