FRANKLIN: Charles Yergatian

Charles Yergatian of Franklin passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025 at 97 years of age. Charles, otherwise known as Çharlie or Garo, was born in Watertown to Setrak and Agnes Yergatian.

His parents moved to Franklin to start a poultry farm when he was two years old. Charlie went to Franklin schools and later obtained an undergraduate degree in Agriculture and a Masters degree in Agricultural Economics at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. At Boston University he attained an advance degree in Education Administration. Charlie was employed by the Cooperative Extension Service of the University of Massachusetts in Amherst for thirty four years. During his administration the 4H and nutrition education programs became the models for many urban cities in this country.

After his retirement he started a construction business, Jordan Heights Development Corporation, building houses. While living in Franklin he served on the board of directors at Benjamin Franklin Bank for twenty years. He was active in local government chairing the town council, the finance committee and serving on the board of assessors. He helped oversee the construction of the Remington-Jefferson School.

Charlie was married for sixty-four years to his wife Julia Barbara. They had two children, five grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren became an integral part of his life as he was able to enjoy every one of them on a daily basis. He was Papa to all of them. His family meant the world to him. He enjoyed traveling, playing golf, playing cards, bingo, and most of all a building project. He was ready with his hammer, building his own home, and many a deck, gazebo, shed, or cedar closet and was always ready for a renovation project in his children or grandchildren’s homes. He was a member of the Armenian Church of the Holy Translators in Framingham.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife Julia Barbara, his parents Setrak and Agnes Yergatian, sister Vivian Kamishlian, and brother Gregory Yergatian. He is survived by his brother Stetrak Yergatian, his children Vernon (Areti), Christine (Anthony), 5 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a calling hour Thursday November 20th, in the Armenian Church of the Holy Translators 38 Franklin Street Framingham, MA 01702 from 10-11AM.

His funeral service will follow at 11AM.

Burial will be at Union Street Cemetery, Franklin.

The Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. is honored to assist the Yergatian family.

Guestbook www.franklinfuneral.com

The family requests in lieu flowers that donations be made to the Armenian Church of the Holy Translators of Framingham.