Carl K. Torossian

Carl Kirkor Torossian, a 64-year resident of Concord, MA, passed away on April 3, 2025, at Newbury Court in Concord, MA, three weeks before his 96th birthday. Carl was born on April 24, 1929, in Haverhill, MA, to Messiah and Parantzem Torossian, Armenian immigrants and survivors of the Armenian Genocide. He spent his early years living with his parents and sister, Violet Torossian Georgerian, on their farm in Haverhill, before moving to Somerville, where he graduated from Somerville High in 1949. He went on to earn his Certificate in Dental Technology.

After meeting his beloved wife of 47 years, Mae Roessler Torossian, the pair settled in Concord, MA, where they raised their two children, Sandra and Eric. It was also in Concord that Carl opened and operated Concord Dental Laboratory, a successful business where he worked alongside one of his oldest friends and hiking buddy, Roy, and ultimately, in his pre-retirement years, his son Eric.

Carl became a Master Mason and was a lifelong member of the Somerville Masonic Lodge where he served as the master of the lodge in 1957, 1994, 2012 and later in the Woburn Masonic Lodge.

Carl was an avid outdoorsman. He sailed his family and many friends on his Tartan27, Sandy Mae, and Dufour31, Taurus, for years until he jumped ship for land to travel by motorhome with Mae on Gold Dust. They traveled together, with lifelong friends and caravans of friends on longer adventures touring national and state parks of the US, motorhome rallies all over New England and winters in West Palm Beach, FL. Carl was drawn to the beauty of the mountains. He loved hiking the White Mountains and completed the 48-four-thousand-foot peaks, joining the distinguished Appalachian Mountain Club’s Four Thousand Footer Club in 2000. He climbed Mount Katahdin twice, rafted down the Grand Canyon, and learned to fly fish with his friends.

One of Carl’s many gifts was how he could work with his hands as an artist. If he could visualize it, he could make it as he did as a dental ceramist, hobbyist, and handyman. Family projects included building a dock in Miami, additions to his home in Concord, setting up a front yard skating rink each winter, painting boat bottoms, making Araki, and a neighborhood project to build a MG kit car. He laid model railroads, built and flew remote controlled airplanes and sailboats and built many replica wooden airplanes and ships. He whittled a team of baseball players, a golfing foursome as well as many animals including the Geico gecko. When he moved to Newbury Court, he became impassioned with pottery and began creating anything he saw in a picture or something he saw that sparked interest. By hand he made hundreds of personalized “pet” mugs for family, friends and residents as a fundraiser for Newbury Court, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Among his favorite pottery creations was a mug with his dog, Sailer, a mug with a lion’s head, and was most amused when he made a Viking ship “banana split” bowl which he often brought to dinner for dessert.

Carl was also active in his local community. He was a 60 year member of the choir at St. Matthews Church, in Acton MA. After the passing of his wife, Carl started a widowers dinner group at the church. It continues to meet weekly. He also volunteered over 4,000 hours of his time with the Emerson Hospital, humming as he transported patients.

Throughout his life, Carl dedicated himself to his family, friends, hobbies, and the civic organizations that brought deep meaning to his life. In every case, his enthusiasm, ability to laugh at himself and sense of community brought people together. Carl aka Mr. T or Grampie, leant a hand to all who asked and will be remembered for bringing to life unforgettable memories of a life well spent.

He is survived by his daughter, Sandra Torossian Lemack; his son, Eric Torossian, daughter-in-law, Kirsten Howe Torossian; his grandchildren, Andrew Torossian (Chelsey King Torossian), Peter Lemack (Jennifer Freeburn), Christopher Torossian, and Elisa Lemack; great-grandchildren, Oliver and Violet Mae; extended family, friends and his caregivers.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Carl at his memorial service on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthews United Methodist Church, 435 Central Street, Acton, MA. A luncheon will follow at the Church. 

In lieu of flowers, you can make donations to a charity that inspires you.

Arrangements under the care of Concord Funeral Home, 74 Belknap Street, Concord, MA  01742  978-369-3388 www.concordfuneral.com