Garry Orbelyan
USA- Biography of Harry Orbelian
- Challenges During Stalinist Era
- World War II and Emigration
- Success in the United States
- Contributions to International Trade
- Continued Work and Legacy
Biography of Harry Orbelian
Early LifeHarry Agaparonovich Orbelian was born on August 5, 1920, in the city of Tatev, Armenia. He grew up in a close-knit Armenian family, with his father Agaparon Sultanovich and mother Sofia Mikhailovna. His younger brother Konstantin Agaparonovich also played a significant role in the arts and music industry in Armenia. Harry's wife, Vera Ivanovna, and their three children, Elena, George, and Konstantin, were also important figures in various fields such as entrepreneurship, sculpting, writing, and music.
Challenges During Stalinist Era
Growing up in the 1930s, Harry's family faced the challenges of Stalinist purges. In 1936, his father was arrested and sentenced to five years in labor camps. The following year, his mother was also arrested and spent eight years in Stalinist camps. Harry and his brother were left alone, ostracized as "enemies of the people." Despite these difficulties, Harry found support from people like Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Pochtarev, who helped him and his brother.
World War II and Emigration
In 1940, Harry was conscripted into the Red Army. During his service, he organized concerts for fellow soldiers and even joined a reconnaissance unit. However, he was captured by the Germans and spent time in prisoner-of-war camps, experiencing the horrors of internment in Warsaw, Stettin, and Hamburg. In 1945, when Allied forces entered Germany, Harry was freed and sent to a displaced persons camp in Stuttgart, where he met his future wife, Vera Voznesenskaya.
Due to the uncertain fate that awaited former prisoners of war and "enemies of the people" upon returning to the Soviet Union, Harry made the difficult decision to not return. For three years, he struggled to survive in Germany, taking on various jobs. In 1948, he had the opportunity to immigrate to the United States with only $10 in his pocket. In New York, fate brought him back together with Vera, and they settled there permanently.
Success in the United States
Starting with menial jobs, Harry utilized his own abilities, perseverance, and resilience to create a successful life in America. In 1949, he was hired as a manager at the renowned luxury store, Gump's, in San Francisco, which had over 450 employees. Alongside his work at Gump's, Harry also founded his own real estate investment company in 1954, which has since become a large enterprise with substantial assets.
In 1956, Harry became the Director of Securities Operations and a member of the Board of Directors at Gump's. He climbed the ladder of success due to his ability to work well with people and his entrepreneurial talent. Throughout his career, Harry played a significant role in establishing business connections between the United States and Russia. He organized trade missions, international conferences, and facilitated trade contacts between American companies and companies from over 50 countries, including Russia.
Contributions to International Trade
Harry's efforts to strengthen ties between countries led to numerous awards and recognition. In 1991, he received a commemorative medal from the Armenian Supreme Council for his assistance to earthquake victims in Armenia. In 1994, the National Coalition of Ethnic Organizations awarded Harry the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his exceptional humanitarian actions.
Despite his success, Harry never forgot his homeland and the challenges faced by Russia during its reform period. He organized symposiums on U.S.-Soviet relations, conferences for entrepreneurs from both countries, and facilitated mutual visits for businessmen. Harry's voluntary assistance to Soviet collectives, delegations, and individual workers visiting San Francisco further demonstrated his commitment to fostering international cooperation.
Continued Work and Legacy
Harry Orbelian continues to live and work in San Francisco, where he serves as the President of the International Trade Council of San Francisco. He also became the leader of the World Trade Center San Francisco in 1995. Fluent in four languages, Harry hopes for mutual understanding between the Russian and American people and believes in the future of Russia. His proudest achievement is his sons, who have followed in his footsteps and continue his work of strengthening friendship between countries. Harry's grandchildren also bring him great joy and hope for a better future.
