Menas H Daderian

Menas H. Daderian, of White Plains, NY, entered into rest on Thursday July 9, 2009, at the age of 84. The son of Mary and Hamber "Jack" Daderian, he was born on Feb. 24th, 1925 in the "Hell's Kitchen" area of N.Y.C. Menas is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 20 years Gloria Falk Daderian, his cherished and devoted daughters Lucine Debany of Blauvelt, and Cindy Thuemmler of Scottsdale, Arizona, his dear son-in law Frank Thuemmler, and by the light of his life, his grandson Barry C. Debany. He is also survived by five step-children, Walter (Marylou) Falk, Kerry (Dennis) Terminello, Virginia (John ) Kaschura, Glenn (Debbie) Falk, and Craig Falk; also his much-loved step-grandchildren: Hans, Kristin, Kurt, Evan, Blaise, Virginia Rose, Tucker, Eric, Paul, C.J. and Jimmy. He is also survived by his dear nieces Janette (Joey) Marootian, Joy (Oleg) Dei; grandnephews Jeff Marootian, Adam H. (Maria) Daderian; grand niece Jamie Marootian, great grand niece Amylee Daderian, and great grand nephew Jesse Daderian. Menas also leaves behind many dear friends and family members whom he loved very much. Menas graduated from George Washington High School in Washington Heights, N.Y. in 1943. He continued his education at New York University graduating with a degree in finance in 1947. He received his real estate certification from Fordham University, and was a self employed insurance agent for 61 years. Menas was very proud of his Armenian heritage. In 1946 he was selected by Bishop Simonian of the Holy Cross Church to help establish the Armenian Church Youth Organization. He served on the parish council for Holy Cross for 12 years in the 1950's and 1960's. In 1973 he was appointed the first chairman of the parish council of St. James Armenian Church (now St. Gregory's) of Westchester by the Archbishop, and was one of the church's founding fathers. He was a member of several groups including the Knights of Vartan and St. Gregory's Men's Club, but what really brought him pleasure over the years was dancing and socializing with the "Hye Steppers, "a group of dearly loved Armenian friends. He was also a past abbot of the "Merry Monks," a men's group that brought him much enjoyment; participated in activities with the Lake Isle Seniors in Eastchester; was a true Yankee fan since his youth, and enjoyed vacationing in Marco Island, Florida, which he considered paradise. Several years ago Menas decided that he wanted to do more to help people, so he became a White Plains Hospital Volunteer. He brought a smile to many faces, but also to his own. Anyone who knew Menas knew of his love for dancing. This started in his youth when he would dance in his "zoot suit" at the Palladium Ballroom. Known by the nickname of "Mambo Menas." Dancing brought immense enjoyment to him. This continued in his senior years, bringing smiles to the many faces around him. He knew how to live life and to enjoy each moment. No one will ever replace this kind hearted man. Menas was predeceased by his adored first wife of almost 33 years, Berjouhee, who died July 21, 1984, as well as his brother Zaven Daderian, sister-in-law Agnes Daderian, and nephews Gary and Howard Daderian.