HAGOP DER MEGERDICHIAN
In Loving Memory of Dr. Hagop Der Megerdichian
Dr. Hagop Der Megerdichian was born in Baghdad to Megerdich and Arshagouhi, a survivor of the Armenian Genocide. He spent his formative years in Baghdad, graduating from Baghdad College. While studying at Aleppo College, he met his beloved wife, Varsenig. He went on to study at the American University of Beirut and earned his medical degree from Baghdad University.
He served in the Iraqi army for three years, including active duty during the Kurdish conflict. In 1966, Hagop and Varsenig got married and began building a family—welcoming daughter Tamar, son Shant, and daughter Maral. While working for the Basra Petroleum Company, he pursued postgraduate studies in environmental medicine in Scotland.
In 1975, the family immigrated to the United States. Hagop completed his residency at the University of California, Irvine, and went on to serve as a dedicated physician with Kaiser Permanente Medical Group. He played a key role in establishing the Glendale Kaiser clinic and cared for patients there until his retirement.
Dr. Der Megerdichian was deeply devoted to his faith and community. He served 11 years on the Board of Trustees of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church, represented the church at the Ecumenical Conference in Antelias, Lebanon, and served as vice chairman of the Central Executive Board of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America. He also represented the Prelacy in the Committee for Armenian Students in Public Schools (CASP), volunteered as a physician at the HMEM Navasartian Games, and together with his wife Varsenig established scholarships at Ferrahian and Chamlian Armenian schools.
Hagop became a devoted grandfather—lovingly known as Babig—to six grandchildren. Hagop will be remembered for his quiet strength, unending kindness, unwavering dedication to service, and deep love for his family, his community, his patients and his heritage.
He passed away in June 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
He is survived by his loving family, relatives and friends.
SHARE A MEMORY BELOW
A THOUGHTFUL WORD OR CHERISHED MEMORY CAN BRING COMFORT DURING THIS TIME. ON BEHALF OF THE DER MEGERDICHIAN FAMILY, WE INVITE YOU TO SHARE A PERSONAL STORY OR KIND MESSAGE THAT REFLECTS HIS LIFE AND THE MOMENTS THAT TOUCHED YOUR HEART.