Carl Tarpinian

Carl Tarpinian

1923-2019

Portland - Carl (Carloosd) Tarpinian, 95 a lifelong resident of Portland and longtime local grocer passed away peacefully with his family by his side on March 19, 2019. Carl was born on October 10, 1923 in Portland, the son of Ohannes and Durick (Bardarchian) Tarpinian. He was a graduate of Portland High School, class of 1941. After graduation, Carl enlisted in the United States Army, stationed in Burma and was a proud World War II Veteran. Once he returned home to Portland, he joined his brother Carlton in their family store, The Amergian Brothers on Chestnut Street. For the next forty years, Carl, along with his brother, poured their heart and sole into creating a local family business.

Carl met the love of his life, Mary Blanche Tetrault in 1946 and wed on October 17, 1948 at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland, Maine. Carl and Blanche were married fifty-three wonderful years and raised three children, a son and two daughters. After retiring in 1988 and selling the local store, Carl began a twenty-eight year career at Shaw’s Northgate. There he met friends that became a second family to him and retired for a second time at the youthful age of 92. Carl’s favorite pastimes included watching college football, the New York Giants, watching movies and doing the daily crossword puzzle in the Press Herald, all while smoking his favorite cigars. He loved spending time at home with his beloved cocker spaniel, Allie. She quickly became a loyal companion for sixteen years.

Carl was preceded by his beloved wife Mary Blanche Tarpinian, his parents Ohannes and Durick Tarpinian, his brother Carlton Tarpinian, sister Maryam Williams, and his loving daughter Carleen J. Larsen. He is survived by his son Michael J. Tarpinian and wife Nancy of Westbrook, daughter Jayne M. Heatley and partner Roger Leblanc of Saco, son-in-law Fred Larsen of Utah, and brother-in-law Robert Tetrault and wife Fran of Portland. Eight grandchildren Britney L. Cantrell and fiancé Patrick Dennison of Saco, Daniele C. Heatley of Portland, Jana Tarpinian and husband Josh Wood of Cape Elizabeth, Rebecca Tarpinian and wife Frayla of Windham, Chris Larsen and wife Annalee, Jay Larsen and wife Shyla, Patrick Larsen and wife Andrea, and Peter Larsen and wife Whitney all of Utah. Carl had eighteen great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the medical and nursing staff at Mercy Hospital, The Cedars, and Northern Light Homecare and Hospice for their loving care and expertise.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at  St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Avenue, Portland on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 at 11am.  Burial with Military Honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.  Expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of donations to The Opportunity Alliance. 50 Lydia Lane, South Portland, ME 04106. 

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