Myron "Mike" Parsek Erkiletian

Myron "Mike" Parsek Erkiletian a beloved father who lead a full and colorful life, passed away peacefully Sunday, October 21, 2012. He was surrounded by loving family and friends with his favorite Louis Armstrong music playing in the background.

Mike Erkiletian, son of Parsek and Lucy Erkiletian of Armenian heritage, who migrated from Turkey, was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 4, 1936. He went to Kelvin High School and was president of his senior class, involved with the Civic Forum and the National Honor Society. He continued on to earn an undergraduate B.S. C.E. Degree at Purdue University and then went on to earn a Master's in Business Administration at Columbia University.

After graduating, Mike moved to the Metropolitan DC area to start his career in Real Estate Development. One of his first experiences in the real estate industry was as an Assistant Project Manager of the Watergate Complex. In the late 1960's, Mike established a successful real estate development company which won numerous awards over the years and still operates today under the Erkiletian name. Throughout his career Mike was responsible for developing and constructing numerous and significant office and luxury apartment projects throughout the region.

Mike was a man of strong character, integrity, conviction and intense generosity. A man who was always striving to better his community. Early on, and throughout his life, he was intensely involved civically, politically and charitably. In fact, Mike made an intense commitment to anything that he cared about. He was truly a leader who believed strongly in giving back to his community.

As a man he was very proud of his heritage and was involved with the Armenian community throughout his life. During one of his trips to Armenia, Mike was so moved by the people he met that he founded and supported both a Kindergarten and a Charitable Soup Kitchen for the elderly in Dilijan, Armenia in memory of his late Mother Lusaber "Lucy'' Erkiletian.

In addition to his heavy involvement in industry, community and charitable endeavors, Mike had other passions too. He loved this time of year and surrounded his life with gusto for bird hunting, opera, skiing and a love of his Chicago Bears. He was a world traveler and history buff too and at the end of the day he would follow it up with a fine scotch, a good steak and a great cigar.

Mike was a legacy. His enthusiasm and love for his family had no bounds and he is a man who will never be forgotten.

We love you Dad.

Myron "Mike" Parsek Erkiletian is survived by his children Stefanie Erkiletian, Michael Erkiletian, Alex Erkiletian, Mihran Erkiletian, and Samuel Erkiletian; his stepchildren Jennifer Coombs, Leslie Coombs, Kim Sakellis, Aaron Lager, and Jessica Lager; his sisters Margaret Erkiletian Carlson (Herb Carlson), Jaqueline Erkiletian Goodrich (Danny Goodrich), and Beatrice Erkiletian Coppini (Paolo Coppini); his grandchildren Ethan Erkiletian, Sion Erkiletian, Maximus Erkiletian, and Aristotle Erkiletian; niece and nephews, Peter Carlson, Caroline Carlson Smith, Herb Carlson, Greg Goodrich, Jimmy Goodrich, and Giampaolo Coppini (Cameron Coppini); as well as Indira Aslan "Betty Erkiletian", Josephine Erkiletian, and Lynda Erkiletian.

MPE

July 4, 1936 - October 21, 2012

To All of the Friends and Loved Ones of Myron P. "Mike" Erkiletian:

It is so sad and hard to write this notice; I just assumed Mike would outlive us all!

The viewing for Mike with the family will be at Joseph Gawler's Funeral Home, 5130 Wisconsin Avenue N.W. Washington, DC 20016 (202-966-6400) on Sunday, November 4, 2012 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Funeral Service will be held at St. Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church, 2815 36th Street, at Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC 20007 (202-333-4730) on Monday, November 5, 2012 at 1 p.m.

Reception immediately following at:

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

2700 F street, NW

South Gallery, Roof Terrace Level

Please enter through the Hall of Nations Elevators

Kennedy Center Parking Passes available at the Church Services

A web site is available through Gawler's for Viewing Pictures and Posting tributes to Mike.

www.josephgawlers.com

Mike lived a very Large and Colorful Life and the family hopes that everyone whose lives he touched can come together and Celebrate the Life he Lived.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to:

St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church, 6700 West Diversey Ave. Chicago, Illinois 60707 - Tel: 773-637-1711

Armenian Apostolic Church of St. Mary, 4125 Fessenden St. NW Washington DC, 20016 - Tel: 202-363-1923

Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, 501 Sixth Street, Annapolis, MD 21403 (VA) 804-775-0951 or (MD) 443-949-0547