Dikran “Dick” Ornekian was surrounded by family when he passed away on October 29th, 2026 at Henry Ford Providence Hospital in Novi, MI. He was 83 years old.

Dikran was born a world away, in the sprawling metropolis of Istanbul, Turkey. After state sponsored violence against Armenians led to the torching of his father’s grocery store in 1955, Dikran’s parents sent him off to live with his great aunt and uncle in what was then a very rural Novi, MI.

Dikran began his immigrant journey at Northville Middle School. He was a thirteen-year -old who didn’t speak a lick of English, but was quickly embraced by his classmates anyway. There, he made many dear friends who he cherished for the rest of his life.

There were three things that Dikran took the greatest pride in. 1. The four years he spent on full scholarship, as a tennis and soccer player, at Clemson University. 2. The work he did to help the parents, siblings and grandparents – who he was separated from for so long – immigrate to the United States. 3. The family he raised with his wife, Carol.

Dikran was a gifted athlete, a passionate sports fan and a kind man who was genuinely interested in, and happy to talk to, just about any person he ever came across. His optimism and generosity of spirit is what those who loved him will miss the most.

Dikran always moved at his own pace and it was a pace that allowed him plenty of time to embrace and enjoy the little things that make life worth living.

A big believer in the American Dream, Dikran saw his own story as evidence that the dream could, in fact, become a reality.

Dikran was preceded in death by his parents, Hacik and Berchui Ornekoglu; the great aunt and uncle who helped raise him, Azniv & Vahram Jamian; and his brother-in-law, Yetvart Garabedian.

Dikran is survived by his wife of 52 Years, Carol; his sons Dikran (Kellie), Derek (Catherine) and daughter, Lisa Thomas (Adam); grandchildren Julia, Gabby & Ivy Ornekian, Benjamin & Cecelia Thomas, and Rocco & Melody Ornekian.

He is also survived by his sister, Ankine Garabedian, his brother Antranik Ornekian and sister-in-law Serpuhi; nephews Shahe (Garine) and Vache (Annie) Garabedian, Vahram (Savannah) and Sarven Ornekian, and Mark Mann; nieces Erika (Justin) Pease, Kelly (Eric) Bambard, and Mindy (Anthony) LaRosa.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the O'Brien Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI 48375. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 10:00 am until the Funeral Service begins at 11:00 am at St. John Armenian Church of Greater Detroit, 22001 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, Michigan, 48075. Following the Funeral Service, Dikran will be taken to his final place of rest at Oakland Hills Memorial Gardens in Novi, MI.