Gerard Kopoyan

WORCESTER-Gerard Kopoyan, 67, died Sunday, May 3, 2015 at his home in Worcester, MA following a struggle with cancer. Known by all as Jerry, he was a dynamic personality who magnetized anyone and everyone. His greatest joys were sharing stories, good meals and belly laughs.

Gerard was born in Marseille, France on May 7, 1947, the son of Kevork Kopoyan and Bayzar (Roussian) Kopoyan, Armenian Genocide survivors. He was one of four boys and was predeceased by his parents, three brothers, John, Raymond and Andre, and a nephew, George Kopoyan. The combination of his Armenian heritage and youth in France contributed to a unique individual who became a proud American, fully embracing the best of all cultures.

After attending broadcasting school Gerard enjoyed the wild and wacky world of radio. As Engineer he worked at several of Worcester's local radio stations in the late 60's and 70's, including WORC, WAAB-WAAF and WNEB. Itching to do his own thing led to the founding of Immedia Sound & Lights in 1976, which he owned and operated in Worcester for almost 40 years before succumbing to cancer. Starting with nothing besides his relentless work ethic and friendly and honest nature, his success is an example of the American dream, working hard and harder with the satisfaction of his customer being his priority mission.

Gerard is survived by three children, Robin Kopoyan of Worcester, Todd Kopoyan and his wife, Lara, of Westborough and Andre Kopoyan of Cambridge and two grandchildren, Adam Kopoyan and Taline Kopoyan. As Dad, Gerard was grateful for and proud of his kids. As Papa he was both amused and awed. He also leaves behind three sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, a nephew and his Immedia Sound family. Among his other pleasures were baking, gardening, music, building, vacationing in Florida and visiting his cousins in France. He would often pop in to surprise friends and family with homemade pies, custards or one of his other specialties. Gerard was full of life and ability. He will be greatly missed.

The funeral will be held on Monday, May 11 from CALLAHAN FAY CASWELL Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester with a Funeral Service at 11:00 am at Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, 635 Grove Street, Worcester. Burial will follow at Hope Cemetery. Visiting hours are Sunday, May 10 from 5:00-7:00 pm at CALLAHAN FAY CASWELL Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Apostolic Lutheran Church of Worcester c/o Pastor Robert Maki, 15 DeWitt Road, Sutton, MA 01590 or to Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, 635 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605