Yuri Nanushev

Yuri Nanushev, age 87, of Middleton, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, November 7th, 2023.Yuri was born in Baku, Azerbaijan on June 12, 1936, to Levon Nanushev and Sofya Nanusheva (Shkoyan). His early years were marked by adversity as he tragically lost both parents at a young age, leaving him under the care of his elder brother Sergey and sister Anna. Together, Yuri and his siblings persevered through the challenges of World War II and its aftermath. Despite the numerous obstacles he faced during his childhood, Yuri found joy in activities such as soccer, swimming, playing chess, and dancing; a passion that he carried throughout his whole life. In his youth, Yuri could often be found on the dance floor attracting attention through his expressive dancing. Even in the final months of his life, he still had an innate ability to captivate those around him with a dance.

Yuri attended college in Baku before following in the footsteps of his father, uncle and older brother by embarking on a career in the railway transportation industry. He worked as a train engineer, where his selfless and hardworking nature was on full display, earning him respect and admiration from his colleagues. In 1959, Yuri married his first wife, Tamara, and had his first son, Sergey. In 1966, he married the love of his life, Angela, and had his daughter, Sofya, and second son, Levon. Yuri’s family was always his biggest passion. He was an incredibly loving, thoughtful and dedicated family man, and always wanted to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Yuri's selflessness was most evident in his actions during the first war over the Nagorno-Karabakh region in 1988, when he made the decision to relocate his family from Azerbaijan to Armenia. During this period of heightened tension between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Yuri recognized the growing dangers in Baku and prioritized his family's safety. With a sense of urgency, he arranged for his family's departure on a bus to the nearest airport, bravely choosing to stay behind to pack all their belongings. Using his connections in railway transportation, Yuri single handedly loaded their possessions onto a train car heading to Armenia. Only after ensuring his family's safety did he finally catch one of the last flights to Yerevan, reuniting with his loved ones.

The happiest years of Yuri’s life were his last 20 years in the United States. He permanently moved to Middleton alongside Angela to live with Sofya and her family. Throughout this chapter of his life, Yuri loved spending time being the best “Deda” to his grandchildren. He enjoyed taking care of the pool, being a handyman around the house, gardening with Angela, and helping his son-in-law, Michael, with his business. Yuri’s life was a journey of love, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to all who he held close. Although he has physically departed from this world, his memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him, and he will be deeply missed.

Yuri is survived by his wife, Angela Nanusheva; his daughter, Sofya Kessel and her husband Michael; his son, Levon Nanushev and his wife Tatyana; his son, Sergey; his grandchildren, Harry, Sasha, Taisiia, Maria, Yuri, Artem, Anna, and Sasha; his great granddaughter, Milana; and many nephews and nieces in the United States, Armenia, and Russia.

Yuri’s wake will be held at Mackey Funeral Home (128 S Main St. Middleton, MA) on Tuesday, November 14th from 5:00pm-7:00pm. His funeral service will be held on November 15th at the funeral home at 11:00am, with the burial following at Oakdale Cemetery in Middleton.

The family kindly requests that any donations in Yuri’s memory be made to a charity of choice.

“There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.” - Mahatma Gandhi

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