Paul Peter Korian, or as some know him, Bedros Boghos, sadly left us on March 15, 2023, at the age of 78. As a dedicated and passionate husband, father, friend and mentor, Paul was both a deeply faithful servant of the church and a gregarious entrepreneur involved in business and many meaningful projects around the world. Paul, along with his parents and two sisters, Veronica, and Sonia, came to the United States from Jerusalem in October of 1956. Born in Bethlehem to the late Bedros and Takouhi (Keuroghlanian) Korian, he graduated with honors from Northeastern University in 1969, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy.
Paul started his long and successful business career as a local pharmacist at Osco Drugs store, where he climbed quickly to company management. Paul married Anoush Dodakian in July of 1969 and started their family in Watertown and Belmont, Massachusetts and were blessed with three children, Peter, Steven, and Karen. In 1985, Paul was approached by the late Tom Stemberg and Leo Khan to join a new business venture called Staples. Paul joined this startup as a founding member and was key to Staples exponential growth, worldwide recognition and becoming a Fortune 500 company. As a personal endeavor, he partnered with several friends and Armenian business colleagues to purchase, renovate, and re-launch what is known today as the Marriot Hotel Armenia. Paul and Ann also opened a travel agency which they successfully grew together, and much later he invested and advised his sons on growing an international software technology business.
Growing up in the Armenian quarter in Jerusalem had a profound impact on Paul, as he learned the importance and value of giving back to his Armenian community. Paul was an extremely active and dedicated member of St. James Armenian Apostolic Church in Watertown and served on the altar as a Deacon. Paul also served as Parish Council Chairman and Treasurer for more than 10 years, starting at the age of 35 years old. Paul was bestowed and decorated with the prestigious St. Nercses Shnorhali Medal for all the years of his service to the Armenian community. Paul is survived by his wife Ann and their three children, Peter Paul, Steven Hovannes and Karen Anoush. Peter is married to Kristen Korian and has two children, Sosi and Paul. Steven has three children, Steven, Garen and Caroline and is married to Deborah Korian. Karen is married to Andrew Shoushanian and they have three children, Nadine, Martin and Zaven. All of Paul’s children and grandchildren’s lives will continue to be shaped by his charisma, teachings, and love.
Paul accomplished so much in his life and defined the concept of, “the American Dream”. He arrived through Ellis Island in 1956 at eleven years old and then lost his father just 3 months later. He worked harder than most, which defined him in many ways. One of Paul’s greatest joys was taking his boat out from his home in West Yarmouth, aptly named “Hye Dune”, and cruising the Nantucket Sound to Martha’s Vineyard for lunch and the ocean view. Paul spent a lot of time in Cape Cod and loved the beach, especially when his grandchildren would come to visit. He was fortunate to see many of them become young adults.
Paul’s legacy will be remembered as a strong and proud Armenian and the much beloved Patriarch of his loving family. His tenacity and work ethic were second to none and his charitable and community work helped countless people.
Paul will be missed by all who knew him, but his presence and life will be felt for generations. May he rest peacefully now, as he joins his beloved mother and father and so many others. No doubt, Paul will certainly be sharing genuine conversation, catching up on things long awaited, always with his favorite old-fashioned donut and Dunkin coffee in hand.
Entombment at Glen Eden Memorial Park Cemetery 35667 Eight Mile Road, Livonia, MI.
In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Paul are to 100 Hyes, 52131 Pierce Drive, Northville, MI 48167. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Paul Peter Korian please visit our Tribute Store.
HOW BEST TO HONOR PAUL KORIAN?
No story that I can remember will do any justice to his memory. One short glimpse would not be representative of his life and service. So let me simply state that Paul was brilliant and determined – committed to doing the best he was capable of for God and his church, family, country, his heritage and the business.
In the late 70’s and early 80’s Paul was Mr. Osco of New England to those of us who worked with him. Some called Paul the Doctor because he could and would resolve whatever issues interfered with the smooth operating Eastern Region. He was the one who adapted our centrally produced programs and ads to f…
Paul Korian was such a big part of my life and working career both at Osco Drug and later at Staples. We had a lot in common in that we both graduated from Northeastern University, became registered Pharmacists and both ended up leaving pharmacy and joining Osco's management ranks(thank goodness). Paul always a passionate and excitable person truly inspired me with his approach to his life and working career. His mind was always going and he would have something in place and then quickly move on to the next big idea-most worked!!!! His moral compass was always pointing true North which made him such a trusted advisor to many. I was always impressed with how he took care of h…
I saw him all the time when I worked at #957 Cambridge as the Eastern Region office was next door (625 Mt. Auburn). He as a sharp businessman. When I went to my first assistants meeting on Cape Cod (1985), Ed Gianino and I had a great conversation with him. Rest in Peace Paul..........you were one of the great ones. Anthony Accardi
Sadly a good friend and Osco associate for many years of his career at Osco Eastern Region Paul Korian. He began his career as a staff pharmacist, but we quickly recognized his many talents as a store manager and merchant. Eventually he became the leader of the regions marketing .Paul was known as a jack of all trades; responsible for all areas of advertising, marketing, co-ordination with the central buying group, seeing local vendors,and working with our then partner Star Market. We knew. him also as king of the phone . It seems because he was central to much of our activity, he received numerous phone calls and generally started his day with a stack of pink slip to r…
I worked with him as well. Very nice man. Ted Marnell