He was 101 years old, just three months short of his 102 birthday, when Haik Kavookjian died at his desk in the Armenia Prelacy in New York April 26, 1977.
A long time resident of Highlands, Mr. Kavookjian donated the land at the top of South Peak Street where Henry Hudson Regional School was built. His daughter, Kathleen Mendes, was instrumental in the transaction and was later chairman of the school’s Board of Education. Her father also donated the land on Route 36, Middletown, as a playground and field for Highlands ‘residents. He made the donation to the Highlands Lions Club in honor of military veterans and stated it was to be used for recreational activities for children. The property is owned by the borough of Highlands although it is within Middletown adjacent to Monmouth Hills.
Mr. Kavookjian was born in Constantinople and fled from that country to the United States in the midst of the Turkish massacres in 1917. He summered in Highlands that first year before moving there year round the following year. He remained a resident until 1951 when he moved to United Nations Plaza in New York. He also maintained another home in Darien, Connecticut.
Active in his faith, the philanthropist was also largely responsible for the construction of the Cathedral of Saint Vartan in New York as well as being active in the Armenian Prelacy and the Order of Saint Gregory.
In addition to his widow,, at the time of his death, Mr. Kavookjian was survived by two sons, two daughters, including Kathleen, 13 grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild.
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