Jirair Khatchmanian

Jirair "Jerry" Khatchmanian passed away on March 2, 2025, in Fairfax, Virginia, at the age of 87. He was born on April 6, 1937, in Damascus, Syria, the youngest of four children to his parents, Hagop and Lucine (Moubahyajian) Khatchmanian.

Jirair attended an Armenian school in Damascus, where he played basketball and built lifelong friendships. He married his childhood friend, Alice Yacoubian, on January 14, 1973, and together they shared 52 years of marriage. They were blessed with two daughters, Nathalie Ekhsigian and Talar Linder, and five grandchildren.

A skilled tailor of men’s suits in Damascus, Syria, Jirair immigrated his family to Queens, New York, in 1979 to be closer to his brothers and provide greater opportunities for his loved ones. He was proud to have himself and his family naturalized as United States citizens in 1984. He worked in textiles for eight years in Brooklyn, New York, before relocating to Annandale, Virginia, where he embarked on a new business venture in photo development at the Old Post Office Pavilion in Washington, D.C. Known for his warm personality and storytelling, he built strong connections with local politicians, tourists, and friends who frequented his shop. Later, he became the senior store manager at Moto Photo in Fairfax, Virginia, where his dedication and humor left a lasting impression on colleagues and customers alike.

Jirair was known for his hard work, hospitality, and ability to bring laughter to those around him. His zeal for life were his grandchildren and he loved nothing more than being at their games, school events and spending time with them. He faced life's challenges with resilience and determination, never giving up until his last breath. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Jirair was preceded in death by his parents, Hagop and Lucine Khatchmanian; brothers Kourken and Paramaz Khatchmanian and sister Chake Khatchmanian. Jirair is survived by his wife, Alice Khatchmanian; his two daughters, Nathalie (Raffy) Ekhsigian and Talar (Geoff) Linder; grandchildren, Reed, Bennett, Nara, Davis and Lori.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 22nd, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, 4125 Fessenden St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20016 to celebrate his life.

Condolences may be sent to the family at https://obituaries.carewellcremations.com/jirair-khatchmanian. 

Flowers can be delivered to St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church or in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church. https://donorbox.org/j-khatchmanian

Please ensure flowers arrive at St. Mary before 3pm on Friday, March 21st or delivered at 10am on Saturday, March 22nd.