RIP Kevork Hovnanian

Published: Thursday October 01, 2009

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Kevork Hovnanian, builder and philanthropist, dies at 86 (updated)

In 20 years, how FAR we've come

The story of Kevork Hovnanian, who died last week at the age of 86, is an American success story. Fifty years ago he fled a revolution in Iraq to arrive in the United States and start a new life. He and his three brothers invested $1,000 each and borrowed another $20,000 to start a construction company that grew to become one of the nation's largest. (His brothers left the business in 1969 to start their own firms.) He left a lasting impact as one of the developers who transformed New Jersey and suburbia everywhere, with tract after tract of relatively low-cost - and popular - condominiums and townhouses.

Mr. Hovnanian's story is also an Armenian story. It is a story of displacement, from the turmoil of the Middle East to opportunity in America. It is a story of commitment to Armenians and Armenia, love for family and community, and a vision of a brighter future.

He gave generously to his communities. These included the New Jersey community, where he endowed the K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital. They included the Armenian Church. He was the principal benefactor of the St. Stepanos Armenian Church in Elberon, N.J.; he led the revival of the storied Gevorkian Theological Seminary in Etchmiadzin; and he was a key figure in the Armenian Church Endowment Fund.

And he was a leader in philanthropy aimed at Armenia. He donated a Manhattan townhouse to the Permanent Mission of Armenia to the United Nations. But, above all, he led through the Eastern Diocese's Fund for Armenian Relief, one of the most effective charities supporting the people of Armenia and Karabakh over the last 20 years. FAR, which has moved from emergency relief to investing in education, medical aid, and economic development, has channeled more than $265 million in humanitarian assistance to Armenia. It has had and continues to have a real impact.

Kevork Hovnanian has left a legacy that will be seen and felt profoundly for many generations. We offer our condolences to his family and his many friends and pray that he may rest in peace.