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Carnick Hamperian

Carnick Hamperian, 89, of Williamstown, W.Va., died Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013, at Marietta Memorial Hospital.

He was born Aug. 29, 1924 in Philadelphia, Pa. to parents newly arrived in the United States. His Armenian father, John Hamperian, fled from Istanbul, Turkey to escape the Turkish massacre. His mother, Mary Berghaier Hamperian, came from Austria-Hungary. When Carnick was 15, the family moved to Cape May, N.J.

During World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served with the Armed Guard on merchant ships for three years in the gun crew in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. He was a 1951 graduate of Marietta College with a bachelor of science degree in business and economics. At that time, he received a commission in the Naval Reserve and remained a reservist until retirement.

He moved to Williamstown in 1954, and worked for the Dowling Pool Company for several years, being involved with the design, construction, and operation of pools. In 1960 he began working at the Fenton Art Glass Company, becoming supervisor of the mold shop and new products manager, retiring in 1989. Carnick had been active in the Williamstown Community Association, coaching little league baseball and Boy Scouting. From 1960 until the loss of the original swimming pool, he was largely responsible for its physical operation and maintenance.

In 2007 he was awarded the Lions Club Community Service Award for his many years of volunteer work at the pool. He was active in planning for the new pool. In February of 2013, Mayor Jean Ford honored him with the “Pride of Williamstown” award in recognition of his many years of volunteer service. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Williamstown, where he had served on the executive board and was head usher for many years. He was also a member of American Legion, Post 159, serving on the Honor Guard for military rites, as well as driving the transport van taking veterans to the VA hospital in Clarksburg. He enjoyed his trips to Bemis for trout fishing and working with stained glass.

Carnick is survived by his wife, Marjorie Rech Hamperian, whom he married on November 25, 1948; four sons, David (Harriet Bodner) of Brooklyn, N.Y., Roger (Kathy) of Lexington, Ky., Bruce (Mariann) of Belpre, Ohio and John (Kathleen) of Morgantown, W.Va.; six grandchildren, Rachel, Joshua, Rebecca, Aaron (Elizabeth), Nicholas and Geoffrey; two sisters, Felor Moran of Philadelphia, Pa., Patricia Gelb (Albert) of Wilmington, Del., and a brother in law, Jack Rech (Blenda) of Marietta.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Lorraine Stanton.

There will be a memorial service held at the First United Methodist Church in Williamstown, with Dr. Steve Gedon officiating, on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013, at 11 a.m., with lunch to follow in the multipurpose room, where his family will greet friends. His ashes will be placed in the columbarium at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Marietta.

Donations in his memory may be made to the City of Williamstown, for pool improvements, 100 W. 5th St., Williamstown, WV 26187. He was a good citizen, a loving husband and father, and a loyal friend. To send condolences and complete service details, please visit www.cawleyandpeoples.com

Carnick Hamperian

Carnick Hamperian, 89, of Williamstown, W.Va., died Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013.

His arrangements are pending at the Marietta Chapel of Cawley & Peoples Funeral Home.