Avak Jack Keledjian, 81 years old, of Mesa, Arizona passed away on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on October 28, 1944, in Syracuse, New York to parents who immigrated to the United States from Armenia. He was raised with old world values and ethics and was a man of integrity and compassion. After graduating from Liverpool High School, journeyman electrician working at General Electric and then New Process Gear (Chrysler Corporation) both in Syracuse, New York. On August 6, 1966, he married the love of his life, Judy Keledjian. They met the year before on a blind date arranged by mutual friends. Together they shared 59 years of marriage and raised two children.
In August 1982 he relocated his family to Mesa, Arizona to leave the cold, snowy northeast behind. Upon arrival, he was hired by Hughes Helicopters as a Facilities Electrician in their Apache Helicopter production plant. Hughes Helicopters (HHI) became McDonnell Douglas (MDHI) and then the name that graces it today, Boeing. After many years of service, he retired on July 1, 2017.
Fishing was his passion. It started when he was young at Sandy Pond in upstate New York and continued throughout his life. He took several trips to remote cabins in Canada, fished the Sea of Cortez in Mexico, the lakes and pond around his cabin in Forest Lakes, Arizona, and the place he affectionately called ‘The Honey Hole’ in Gilbert, Arizona.
After he retired, his cabin became his summer home. Much time was spent traveling the forest land around the cabin seeing nature at its finest. The fire pit at the cabin was a gathering place for family and friends. He has fond memories of roasting marshmallows, playing music, and enjoying the company of others. He liked attending church on Sundays behind the Library and the men’s prayer meetings on Monday and Friday. He enjoyed his time in Forest Lakes and the friends he made. Jack’s life changed dramatically in June 2024 when he lost his eyesight to Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). It took away his ability to work with his hands and fixing things around the cabin and at his home in the valley.
He is survived by his loving wife, Judy, daughter Chris Staloch (Greg) and son Dan Keledjian (Christy), five grandchildren: Charisma Ramirez (Anthony), Michael Keledjian (Madi), Nicholas Staloch (Annie), Tyler Staloch (Jess), and Kaitlyn Watts (Stetson), and ten great-grandchildren:
Faith Hyrb, Knox Ruffing, Noah Ramirez, Elly Ramirez, Anna Ramirez, Bennett Staloch, Carsyn Watts, Wyatt Watts, Kynsley Watts and Mercy Joy Watts. They all thought their Papa walked on water. He is also survived by loving in-laws, Barbara Walker and Mary Lou and Saul Hernandez along with several nieces, nephews, and friends located around the country.
A vigil will be held at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 2213 N. Lindsay Road, Mesa, Arizona 85213 on Thursday, May 7 at 10am. A reception will follow in the Collins Center. The family asks in lieu of flowers; donations be made to Hospice of the Valley.
Death may have taken Avak Jack on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, but it can’t take our wonderful memories of him. They are ours to keep.
Celebrating 75 years of serving our community