Robert Malconian

Portland – Robert Malconian, 83, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in November 1942 in Portland, Maine, with a daredevil spirit and a mischievous glint in his eye. He was the third child of Yertchanig and John O. Malconian, survivors of the Armenian genocide. His parents, followed by his brother John H., owned and operated several small businesses in the West End, including a butcher shop and a small grocery and sandwich market. The family lived on Winter and Spring Streets, and Bob attended local neighborhood schools.

Bob attended Portland High School, where he played four years on the Bulldogs football team and was a member of the Bronzy Club. During summers, he was a camp counselor at Camp Haiastan in Franklin, Massachusetts, where he taught campers the joy of running and swimming.

Shortly following graduation in 1961, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served in the U.S. and overseas, including during the Vietnam War as a helicopter crew chief and gunner. Bob was a Purple Heart Medal recipient and a career Marine. He served honorably, attaining the rank of Gunnery Sergeant prior to his retirement from active duty.

In 1967, he married Josephine J. Russo. Together they raised two children, John and Andrea, leading an adventurous military family life that took them to Hawaii for many years and across the country, shaping a lifetime of family stories.

Upon retirement from the Marine Corps, Bob returned to his hometown of Portland, where he worked as a civilian with the Portland MEPS office until his retirement in 2006.

Bob lived life fully and without hesitation. He was an avid long-distance runner who loved SCUBA diving and camp life on Sebago Lake. He treasured long road trips, whether on his motorcycle or crisscrossing the USA with his family. He relished his morning coffee with friends and enjoyed reading and American history. He was a great fan of classic movies and Westerns.

He was preceded in death by his brother, John H. Malconian, and his beloved sister, Helen Shahtanian. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Josephine; his son, John A. Malconian (Kathryn Dodge) and family; his daughter, Andrea Malconian; his sister, Kathryn Evert (Thomas); his sisters-in-law, Camilla Raposa (Philip) and family, and Grace Cintron (Arthur) and family; his nephew, P. Richard Shahtanian (Karen) and family; and his nieces, Susan Guzelian (Michael) and family, and Sara Durgerian.

Semper Fidelis.

Prayers will be recited at 8:30am on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the new Conroy-Tully Walker, Cremation, Funeral, and Gathering Center, 300 Allen Ave. Portland, followed by a 10am Mass of Christian Burial at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress St. Portland, a burial will military honors will follow at Forest City Cemetery, South Portland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to Camp Haiastan, PO Box C, Franklin, MA. 02038, or to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Parish, 307 Congress St., Portland ME.04101.