Duran “Chico” Chakarian passed away Friday morning, December 11^th.  Chico lived in Bethlehem most of his life. Chico was the son of the late Agnone  Haig “Chuck”  and Sylvia  (Hovanesian) Chakarian. and  He graduated from Liberty High School in 1978.  He attended Cooperstown College while working and living in Quakertown.  Chico moved back to Bethlehem in 2010 into his childhood home.  He enjoyed taking care of the house and spent much of his free time maintaining and landscaping his home. He loved traveling to Vermont and New Hampshire.  He was an avid hiker and truly enjoyed the outdoors.  Chico had a cousin in New Hampshire, Sam Chakarian, that he looked up to and strongly admired as well as a cousin, Gail, with whom he often prayed and turned to for advice concerning life’s challenges.

While working and living in Quakertown, he was fortunate to meet Darin, who became his best friend. Darin guided, mentored and helped Chico navigate through life.  Anyone who met Chico would agree, you will never meet anyone else quite like him.  He was a truly unique individual that you had to know or meet to understand.

Duran had been working as a painter.  He was known to enjoy a good meal and frequented the area diners on a regular basis.  Thank you to all who treated Chico with kindness and respect.  Duran’s mother, Sylvia Chakarian, passed away in 2010.  He is survived by his brother Robert Chakarian and his family, plus many aunts, uncles and cousins.  There are no plans for a celebration of life at this time. Chico will be cremated, and his ashes will be buried with his mother, Sylvia. If there is a celebration of life, it will be held in the spring.  If interested in attending, please email your contact information to:  [email protected].  www.Herronfuneralhomes.com