JOHN GEORGE ARMEN, SR. 1921 - 2016NORWICH - John G. Armen, 95, of Norwich, Connecticut, died on November 10, 2016, at Backus Hospital in Norwich. He was the devoted husband of 68 years to Blanche Cimikoski Armen who predeceased him just five months ago in June, 2016. John was born on March 31, 1921, in the small village of Plomari on the Greek island of Lesvos. His parents were the late George and Heonia (Bambouras) Armenakas. John's parents emigrated to the United States, and in 1922, settled in Norwich, where he lived his entire life. When John was 10, his father died, and that was a defining event of his life. He became the head of his family. Through his school years, he earned money by selling the Norwich Bulletin newspaper in downtown Norwich, and by shining shoes to help support his mother and two younger sisters.John attended the Greeneville Elementary School and he was a member of the Norwich Free Academy Class of 1939. Later he earned his Bachelor's Degree and teacher certification from Central Connecticut State College. John considered it a blessing to have the opportunity to teach drafting and descriptive geometry at NFA for 35 years. He loved teaching and encouraged many family members to pursue the same career. John married Blanche Cimikoski on March 29, 1948. They worshipped together as members of the Bible Students Church of Greater New London. John spoke always of his steadfast faith in God, and his belief that God's hand guided him through his life, and protected and blessed his family.John was proud of having built his home in Norwichtown. He enjoyed many hobbies including nature photography, gardening, beekeeping, biking, hiking and camping. During his retirement, he delighted in becoming a grandfather.Surviving John are his three children, Elizabeth Armen Troeger and husband, James Troeger, of Norwich, John Armen Jr. of Norwich, and David Armen and wife Rose Maiolo Armen of Niantic; three granddaughters, Rebecca Troeger and husband Michael Ostrowski, Laura Troeger, and Julia Armen; one great granddaughter, Stella Ostrowski; his sister, Martha Duhaime of Lebanon; and several nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his sister, Sarah Grillo, also of Norwich.The family will receive guests at the Woyasz and Son Funeral Home at 141 Central Avenue, Norwich, on Saturday, November 19, 2016, at 9:30 a.m. A funeral service will follow at 10:30 with burial following at Maplewood Cemetery in Norwich.