Robert Mirak, supporter of Armenia, Arlington, dies at 92

Robert Mirak / Legacy.com photo

Robert Mirak, a significant supporter of Armenia’s legacy and that of Arlington, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones, on July 17. He was 92.

A scholar who built a substantial business presence in Arlington, Mr. Mirak was born in 1933, the first son of Artemis and John Mirak, both orphans who had survived the Armenian genocide.

An obituary published in The Boston Globe, describes his early life: Growing up with his younger brother, Charles, in Boston and Winchester during the Depression, he learned to be frugal, disciplined and studious, and to find joy in books, play and sports. Golf would become a lifelong passion.

Mr. Mirak excelled at school, made friends easily, was loyal, kind, fair and considerate traits that characterized him all his life.

Lifelong educator

A born educator, he helped his sister learn to read, and he later guided and inspired his daughters and grandchildren along their journeys through school and college. He became first an outstanding scholar, later, a successful businessman.

A graduate of Williams College, Oxford University and the University of Minnesota, he earned his doctorate at Harvard. His dissertation was published by Harvard University Press in 1983 as “Torn Between Two Lands: Armenians in America, 1890 to World War I.” Considered a milestone in Armenian studies, it has become a standard reference for scholars.

In 2014, he published “Genocide Survivors, Community Builders: The Family of John and Artemis Mirak.” He discussed that book in a 2015 interview with YourArlington, headlined “Mirak family rose from ashes of genocide.”

Mr. Mirak was an adjunct professor at Boston University, until he left his academic career to take responsibility for the family businesses-automobile dealerships and real estate.

In 1961, he married Alice Kanlian, who the obituary says was a person of striking beauty, grace and sharp intellect, a true soul mate. Alice died in 2000 and is missed by all who knew her.

Politically acute

Mr. Mirak was politically acute and open-minded, a talented writer and speaker. His partners and employees describe him as fair, dedicated, generous with his time and his collaboration — an educator even at the office. They felt they worked with him, not for him.

Although a successful businessman, he never really left academic life or forgot his Armenian heritage. In 1997, he assumed leadership of The Armenian Cultural Foundation in Arlington, his father’s pride and joy. Together, with his daughters, he continued his father’s generous support of social, educational, medical and agricultural projects in Armenia and Arlington.

Mr. Mirak is survived by his partner, Houry Youssoufian; brother Edward and wife Susan; sister Muriel and husband Michael Weissbach; daughters, Julia Mirak Kew and husband David Brewster, and Jennifer Mirak Leach and husband Daylin Leach; and grandchildren, Alexandra and Christina Kew, Brennan Alice and Justin Leach.

Visiting hours, funeral

Visiting hours are from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 22.

The funeral service is at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 23, both at St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown.

Burial at Mount Auburn Cemetery, followed by a reception at The Armenian Cultural Foundation, 441 Mystic St., Arlington.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. James Church and The Armenia Tree Project (www.armeniatree.org).

This obituary is based on information from The Boston Globe and YourArlington.