Levon “Coach” Barmakian, 95, of Chatham, a Navy Veteran of World War II, died peacefully at home on Friday, November 16, 2018.   Born in Chelsea, Mass., Mr. Barmakian lived in Newark and Millburn before moving to Chatham 69 years ago.  He earned his B.S. Degree from Montclair State University (formerly Panzer College) and earned his Masters in Education from Seton Hall University.

Mr. Barmakian taught physical education and health in the Chatham School District for 41 years before retiring. He promoted the sport of soccer while teaching and was instrumental in the feeder program that helped the Chatham High team remain a state power in the 1970s and 1980s.  In the summer, he ran a recreation program at Washington Avenue School for many years.  During World War II, Mr. Barmakian served as a signalman in the Navy on a Liberty ship.

A longtime member of St. Mary Armenian Church, he was a member of the Knights of Vartan. He taught and served as superintendent at the Sunday school.  Mr. Barmakian was very active in sports, playing tennis and competing in gymnastics during college and continuing to play golf throughout his life. He also was a track official, working as a starter through 2017.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Bertha Barmakian; daughters Nancy Stepanian (husband Roy) and Sally Barmakian, sons Edward Barmakian and Dr. Joseph Barmakian (wife Leslie); grandchildren Lisa Dadourian (husband Stephen), Christopher Stepanian (wife Tara), Megan Troise (husband David), Stephanie Cherkezian, Jamie Barmakian, Paige Barmakian, Aram Barmakian, Steven Barmakian and Matthew Barmakian. He is also survived by nine great-grandchildren.