Vahrij Manoukian, 66, well-known Hollis resident, pharmacist and selectman, passed away Thursday morning, August 16, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Beirut, Lebanon in 1952, Vahrij was one of four children of the late Nazareth and Anouch Manoukian. He immigrated to the United States in 1977 and resided in Boston before moving to New Hampshire in 1980. Vahrij was a graduate of Northeastern University and completed his residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and received his Doctorate from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. Vahrij established the Hollis Pharmacy and General Store, that he has owned and operated for the past 33 years. Vahrij was very active in his community and the Town of Hollis adopted him as a native.
Members of his family include a daughter and son-in-law, Christine and Peter Olobri of California; his brother, Vatche N. Manoukian and Linda of Hollis; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Vani and Sako Azzo of Nashua and Vera Manoukian of New York; three nieces, Annie, Jessica and Bella; a nephew, L.V. and his wife Diane and their daughter, Sloane. In addition to his parents, Vahrij was predeceased by his son, Michael Manoukian in 2004.
For more than 15 years, Dr. Manoukian was a Senior Selectman for the Town of Hollis; was a member of the Hollis Brookline Rotary Club; served as President of the Board of Pharmacy for the State of New Hampshire; played a major role in the Armenian Pharmacy Association of New England; and was a board member of the Child Advocacy Center. Additionally, Vahrij was the chairman of the Republican Party of Hillsborough County and member of the legal ethics committee of New Hampshire. He was the recipient of the Town of Hollis Citizen of the Year award in 2015. In addition, he received the award for Citizen of the Year for the State of New Hampshire by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a major advocate for the veterans of this Country.
Vahrij was very proud of his Armenian / Lebanese heritage who was fluent in five languages. He loved the USA; was a true patriot and loved the freedom, peace, and opportunity of this great country. His store became a mandatory stop and landmark for all Presidential Candidates. In his leisure time, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends and had a passion for cars, motorcycles and the New England Patriots. Additionally, he tirelessly fought to put an end to the opioid crisis and implement the New Hampshire Controlled Drug Prescription health and Safety Program.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, August 21st from 3 to 8 p.m. at St. Vartanantz Armenian Church, 180 Old Westford Road, Chelmsford, MA. His funeral service will take place at the church, Wednesday morning at 11 o’clock followed by interment at East Cemetery in Hollis, NH. Friends are invited to attend. Donations may be made in his memory to St. Vartanantz Armenian Church, 180 Old Westford Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservicecom
