Ara Yeretsian

Ara Yeretsian, 77, born on April 12, 1947, in Beirut, Lebanon, passed away October 19, 2024. He resided in Glendale, CA at the time of his passing. 

Distinguished psychiatrist, passionate pianist, and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Dr. Yeretsian's life was marked by a profound love for music, an insatiable curiosity for learning, and an unwavering commitment to his family. He helped all around him uncover everyday life's joy and beauty. Above all, Dr. Yeretsian was a devoted listener and a source of calm, wise counsel. 

Ara attended a French high school in Lebanon, mastering four languages: French, Armenian, English, and Arabic. He earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from the American University of Beirut (AUB). While at AUB, Ara met and married his true love, Rosy Hovanessian. They shared 52 years of a loving and compassionate relationship. They were blessed with two daughters, Nellie and Rita, who became the center of their lives.

Immediately following Dr. Yeretsian’s graduation from medical school in 1972, Ara and Rosy moved to Memphis for his psychiatry residency at the University of Tennessee. To be closer to family, Ara and Rosy later moved to Chicago, where Ara did research at the Illinois Psychiatric Institute and the University of Chicago. In 1976, he established his psychiatric practice in Merrillville, Indiana, where he remained a dedicated practitioner until his retirement in 2019. He was the Chair of the Psychiatry Department. Additionally, Dr. Yeretsian founded the Substance Abuse Disorder Program at Methodist Hospital and served as its Director for over 25 years. In his spare time, he authored numerous books on addiction and psychiatry to educate his colleagues and staff. Dr. Yeretsian also served on the Impaired Physician Committee and as the President of the Asian-American Medical Society.

In 2019, Ara and Rosy moved to Glendale, California, to be near their daughter Nellie, her husband Dr. Shahan Yacoubian, and their four grandchildren. Retirement gave Dr. Yeretsian time for things he loved most: playing the piano, spending time with family, hiking, and reconnecting with friends. His intellectual curiosity continued until his final days, filling his time with documentaries. 

From Beirut to Memphis, Indiana to California, Dr. Yeretsian and his wife Rosy were always deeply committed to their communities, donating time, resources, and intellect to Armenian organizations, schools, museums, and musical societies. He and his wife Rosy were active members of St. Joachim & Anne Armenian Church in Illinois. He served as a trustee for the Armenian Assembly for many years. In the 2000s, Dr. Yeretsian became known for a series of articles in the Armenian Reporter and Nor Gyank, where he wrote passionately for respect, love, and tolerance concerning the split of the Armenian Church. Always a critical thinker, Ara never hesitated to stand up for his beliefs and sought to help the Armenian people thrive. 

Above all, his love for his family was boundless, and his pride in them shone brightly. He leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and music that will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 1, at 12:30 p.m. at Church of the Hills in Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to AEF (Armenian Educational Foundation, aefweb.org), memo Dr. Ara Yeretsian Music Scholarship Fund.