Dr. Arthur M. Hamparian, age 90 of Livonia, passed away on March 3, 2025. Devoted Son of the late Mihran and the late Dickranouhi (Dorothy) Hamparian. Dear Brother of Alice, the late Albes Rose Mahlebashian and the late Louise Karougian. Proud Uncle of Joanne (Dale) Stockman, the late Daniel (MaryAnn) Mahlebashian and Robert (Adriana Soto) Mahlebashian. Great Uncle to Nina, Derek, Morgan, Alison (Daniel) and Matthew.

Arthur will also be missed by many cousins, relatives, countless friends and former patients. He greatly enjoyed spending time with the Benian, Sarkisian, Saboonjian, Kazarian, and Arslanian families.

Arthur graduated from Central High School in 1952. College prep included history, biology, chemistry, German and math. He pitched on the baseball team and played the violin. In his spare time, Arthur worked at his father’s restaurant, P&G, on Victor Street in Highland Park. This local diner served auto workers from the nearby Ford plant.

After high school came the University of Detroit, where Arthur earned a Bachelor of Science degree in German and Microbiology. He was a flag bearer in the ROTC. Dental school at the University of Detroit consumed the years from 1958-62. Arthur joined Delta Sigma Delta and Alpha Epsilon fraternities, and was named student leader. He created a newsletter during that time, “Dental Spectrum” which won acclaim from students and professors alike. After dental school, Arthur interned with the Dearborn Veterans Administration in 1962, then began practicing dentistry in 1964.

Eager for more learning, Arthur heard a lecture on Gross Anatomy and was powerfully drawn to this subject. A Master of Science degree in Gross Anatomy followed in 1972 from Wayne State University. As an Assistant Professor, Arthur taught freshman dental students at the University of Detroit, then medical students at Wayne State and the University of Michigan, all while building and running a dental practice. Instructing new generations of students brought him deep joy from a teaching career that lasted decades.

Arthur’s practice, Oakwood Dental, was established in 1971 in Dearborn. Staff included his colleague Dr. Robert Saracino and office manager, Chris. The practice served countless patients including multiple generations of the same families. Arthur also gave dental consultation on complex medical cases at various metro Detroit hospitals. He maintained 18 professional society memberships and received 25 honors and awards throughout his dental career, including twelve “Top Docs” and six “Who’s Who” designations.

In addition to family and friends, Arthur was very devoted to St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church and was known as “Doc” throughout the Armenian community. He proudly served as Committee Chairman of the 150-unit Armenian Senior Citizens Tower project completed in 1981.

Arthur finally retired from the practice of dentistry at the age of 85, not altogether willingly. He said it best in his retirement announcement:

“I miss my patients, my dental practice, my teaching of anatomy, my hospital work, and my staff. It is what it is. I have no regrets.”

Arthur is deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and will live in our hearts forever. May he rest in eternal peace.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, 19300 Ford Road, Dearborn, MI 48128.

Interment at Woodlawn Cemetery, Detroit on Monday, April 7, 2025.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church at this link, please click here. https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=DR8MYCF9LRFT4&source=url

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