12/30/2025
Dear Holy Shoghagat Family and Friends:
It is with a heavy heart that The Holy Virgin Mary & Shoghagat Armenian Church informs you of the passing of one of our charter members, Henry Nersesian.
Henry Nersesian, 94, a lifelong resident of Belleville and a loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, with his beloved children, Neil and Julie, by his side.
Henry’s hard work, kindness, generosity, and deep love for his family, friends, and church will be forever remembered and cherished.
Henry was born in East St. Louis, Illinois, on December 10, 1931, the son of Seragan and Yranouhe (Amershadian) Nersesian, who immigrated to the United States following the 1915 Armenian Genocide. Henry’s mother, infant sister, and older brother, Vasken, died when Henry was a young child, and he was raised by his father. Henry grew up in East St. Louis and graduated from East St. Louis High School.
He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy as a yeoman during the Korean War and was stationed overseas. Upon returning from service, he founded Bridgedale Cleaners in Cahokia, which he operated for 60 years until his retirement. Henry’s Cleaners was one-of-a-kind, offering quick service, extended hours, and free delivery.
Henry met the love of his life, the late Amie Marifian, when Henry was six and Amie was two. They grew up in the Metro East Armenian community and were founding members of the Holy Shoghagat Armenian Church in East St. Louis. Their 1958 wedding was the first wedding at the new church, but only after Henry saved enough money to pay off the loan on his delivery truck.
Henry and Amie settled in Belleville, where they were a couple extraordinaire. Their deep love for each other carried them through 62 years of marriage until Amie’s passing in 2020. They built a wonderful life that included running their dry-cleaning business, playing tennis (helping found Oak Hill Racquet Club), traveling, playing cards, watching Cardinals baseball, gathering with family and friends, supporting their church, and dancing the night away on date nights. Everyone was welcome in their home at any time, especially when Henry made his famous barbecue and coleslaw. Most of all, they cherished raising their two children: Neil Nersesian of Salt Lake City and Julie Nersesian-Wiegers of Belleville.
Henry was a tireless supporter of his Armenian church. If Amie did it, Henry did it. He was a member of the Parish Council and the national Armenian Church Youth Organization. His deep commitment helped keep the church doors open—from construction of a new facility in 1978 to ongoing maintenance, bake sales, dances, and picnics. In his later years, he enjoyed weekly church attendance and sharing lunch after services. He was a regular at Monday night dinners with John, George, and Nina Marifian.
In addition to his parents, brother, and infant sister, Henry was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, George and Shamrig Marifian; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Alice and Len Mooradian; sister-in-law Barbara Marifian; brother-in-law Andy Matoesian; aunt and uncle Apkar and Helen Nersesian; Aunt Rose Amershadian; cousin Rose Nersesian; niece Georgea Matoesian; and nephews Norm Melton and Richard Brewer.
He is survived by his son, Neil Nersesian; his daughter and son-in-law, Julie Nersesian-Wiegers and Joshua Wiegers; grandsons Davis Nersesian and James Wiegers; granddaughters Laurel Garcia (Roman) and Madeline Keen (Austin); and great-grandchildren Winnie, Leo, Scout, Sunny, and Evie. He is also survived by brothers-in-law John Marifian and George Marifian (Nina); sister-in-law Julie Matoesian; nieces and nephews Lisa Torani (Joseph), Theresa Sonnenberg (Ray), Kathy Marifian Zaring, Christine Brewer, Kim Lougeay (Dwayne), John Jr. Marifian (Teresa), Jeff Marifian (Kathie); goddaughter Jane Matoesian Van Amburg (Albert); Mark Marifian (Alexandra); Elise Marifian Becker (Jonathan); Gregory Marifian; cousins Doreen Nersesian Eghigian (Mars) and Paul Nersesian (Michelle); and many great-nephews, great-nieces, cousins, and dear friends.
Henry knew no strangers. From his dry-cleaning business to the tennis court, he was always ready with an ear-to-ear smile and a few good jokes. He and Amie generously opened their home to many visitors, including visiting pastors. He was an avid dog lover and fondly cared for their chihuahuas and Maltese furry friends. One of Henry’s recent experiences was traveling with fellow military veterans to Washington, D.C., for the St. Louis Honor Flight in 2024. Despite the long day and night, he treasured the adventure. He was truly one of the “Silent Generation,” whose strength of character blessed those around him. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.
Henry’s family is deeply thankful for the compassionate and dedicated care provided by Chandra Bartlett and the staff at Villas of HollyBrook–Belleville.
Condolences may be expressed at www.kasslyfuneral.com.
Memorials are preferred to Holy Virgin Mary & Shoghagat Armenian Church (https://www.bellevillearmenianchurch.org/orig/donate1.php).
Visitation will be held on January 8, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Kassly Mortuary Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL.
Funeral service will be held on January 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Virgin Mary & Shoghagat Armenian Church, 400 Huntwood Road, Belleville, IL, officiated by the Rev. Fr. Yeprem Kelegian. Interment will follow in Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.
Henry’s obituary can be viewed here (https://www.kasslyfuneral.com/obituary/Henry-Nersesian). May his memory be eternal.
Աստված հոգին լուսավորի (Astvats hogin lusavori) “May God enlighten his soul.”
The Holy Virgin Mary & Shoghagat Armenian Church
