Ghazaros (Gus) Krikor Kerjilian, of Vestal, NY, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, July 24th, 2025.

Born June 12, 1938 in Amman Jordan, Ghazaros was a dedicated student, earning top grades and a scholarship to the American University of Istanbul where he graduated with a Masters in Mechanical Engineering. In the 1960s he emigrated to the United States to attend Purdue University's Engineering program, graduating with a Masters in Applied Mathematics. He was quickly recruited by IBM as an engineer who worked across numerous fields and projects. His illustrious life-long career took him around the world bringing him through numerous places in Europe, Asia, India, and eventually led him back to his homeland, Armenia. Pioneering the forefront of technical innovation, he participated in innovating computer cooling systems that allowed desktop-sized Personal Computers to become a reality. During his time at IBM he was awarded several patents and continued his educational pursuits, attaining an MBA from Binghamton University. Ever the learner, Ghazaros taught himself to become fluent in seven languages.

The son of survivors of the Armenian Genocide, Ghazaros never ceased in his efforts to have the Genocide recognized locally, nationally, and internationally. He marched, presented and advocated at every opportunity. In the 1990s he led efforts to have a permanent Genocide Memorial dedicated right here in Binghamton's South Side, at the intersection of Conklin Ave and South Washington St. He continued to support Armenia in various ways, such as leading an exchange program between engineers in the Binghamton area and Armenia, bringing colleagues here to learn, and teaching at the Polytechnic University in Armenia. In 1988 he was at the forefront of bringing necessary life-saving supplies to Armenia after the devastating earthquake.

In 2008 Ghazaros traveled back to his father's village, Geban in Turkey, to see where he came from. He met the villager elders who remembered the family was very well respected and influential village leaders. His heart-rending journey is documented in the movie Whispering Memories - Talking Pictures.

As an Armenian, Ghazaros was predeceased by countless loved ones including his parents, Krikor and Vartanoush Kerjilian, and his brother and sister-in-law, Haroutune and Catherine Kerjilian. Ghazaros is remembered for his unending generosity, love, and dedication to Armenia and family, colleagues, associates, and friends. With a grateful surviving family and achievements too numerous to list, Ghazaros was a humble man, known famously as "Uncle", who was always willing to engage in meaningful discourse with anyone he met.

A funeral service will be held at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church on Saturday, August 2nd at 11AM. A memorial dinner will be held in the fall. Those wishing may direct memorial donations to AGBU (agbu.org) or St. Gregory's Armenian Church, 12 Corbett Ave Binghamton, NY 13903.