Andrew G. Chakarian, 89, of Hollywood, FL and New Durham, NH went home to be with his Lord and Savior on September 23, 2017. He passed peacefully at home, embraced by all he loved. 

He was born on February 22, 1928 in Lowell, MA to the late Luke and Agnes (Hovsepian) Chakarian.  Andy served as an Army Electrician during WWII, being honorably discharged in November 1947.  He married his sweetheart, Martha, in 1951 and they settled in Salem, NH to raise a family. Andy began his career at Western Electric in North Andover, MA, retiring after 25 years in 1982. He then served as assistant building inspector in Londonderry, NH for several years before moving to Florida. Andy was a wonderful gardener and loved growing fruit trees at his Hollywood, FL home, sharing his harvest with all.  He served as a Master Gardener in Broward County, and also enjoyed wood carving, snorkeling, scuba diving and being in his workshop.  He could usually be found fixing things—for his children, grandchildren and neighborhood kids who would often drop by with their bicycles for repair.  He was a member of the Lawrence Assembly of God Church in Lawrence, MA and faithfully attended Christ Church and Hollywood Community Church in Hollywood, FL, as well as the First Free Will Baptist Church in New Durham, NH. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Martha (Hagopian) Chakarian, his children William Chakarian of Derry, Sandra Hetnar and her husband Raymond of Epping, Helen Toker and her husband Bruce of Salem, Samuel Chakarian and his significant other Linda White of Derry, and daughter-in-law Debra Chakarian of Windham. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren:  Rebecca Chakarian, Sarah (Mick) Swan, Joshua (Ruthie) Chakarian, Emily (TJ) Lannan, Melissa Griffin, Meagan (Matthew) German, Jonathan Chakarian, Luke Toker, Lyndsay Chakarian, Kristopher Chakarian, and Rachel Toker; He leaves behind 9 great-grandchildren and was looking forward to the 10th arriving in December. He also leaves behind brother-in-law Chuck Hagopian, sister-in-law Pearl Bowden and her husband Merrill, sisters-in-law Margaret Chakarian and Nancy Chakarian, as well as cherished nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

He was predeceased by his brothers Kachazooney, Murad and Oscar. 

The family is so grateful for the loving and capable care provided by Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care, Central NH VNA & Hospice, and Rockingham VNA & Hospice as well as the many health care aides who made it possible for him stay at home. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Andy's memory to The First Free Will Baptist Church, P.O. Box 164, New Durham, NH 03855, or to The Hollywood Community Church, 1708 SR 7, Hollywood, FL 33021.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on Wednesday, September 27th, 2017 from 12:30 to 2:00 PM at the Goundrey & Dewhirst Funeral Home, 42 Main Street, Salem, NH 03079. A funeral service will be held following calling hours at 2:00 PM in the funeral home chapel. A graveside service will take place at 10:00 AM on Thursday, September 28th at Pine Grove Cemetery, 329 Main Street, Salem, NH 03079. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.goundreydewhirstfuneral.com

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