The Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia

Ed Papazian
Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Luncheon
Bala Golf Club, Philadelphia
Wednesday, June 13, 2001

While in office, Broadcast Pioneers President Edward Papazian, 76, of Lower Gwynedd, Pennsylvania, formerly of Darien, Connecticut passed away at his home on June 27, 2002 of pancreatic cancer.

Born in Camden, NJ on November 4, 1925, he was a first generation American; son of survivors of the Armenian Genocide, Senek and Seranoush Papazian. He spoke no English until he started school. After being graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School (he was voted best dancer and participated on the school's winning track team in the Penn Relays), Ed enlisted in the United States Navy during the Second World War and served in both the Atlantic and Pacific campaigns as a sonar operator on a U.S. destroyer escort. His ship was in Tokyo harbor when the Japanese surrendered in September of 1945. Sonar was his first professional experience with a form of radio.

Ed, by the way, wasn't someone who took well to the seas. Being seasick almost every day for 22 months, his commanding officer offered to transfer him to land. However, he said he would stay because his parents were so proud of his service responsibilities.

In 1942, Ed, Dan Terhanian, Harry Injaian and Bill Kurkian formed a group called CamPhi, sharing their common interests in sports. CamPhi stands for Camden and Philadelphia. Although the organization is still a closely knit group, they meet for social reasons now rather than athletic events. Ed was called their "permanent President." There have been 48 members and there are 24 active ones as of 2002.

After the war, Papazian attended Peirce School of Business. His long broadcasting career began at WFIL, right here in Philadelphia. There, he worked with other WFIL legends like Roger Clipp and Max E. Solomon. Then he went to the advertising agency of Gray - Rogers. It was during this period that Ed Papazian served a term as President of TRAC, the Television, Radio and Advertising Club, now called the Philadelphia Advertising Club.

For many years, he was employed by Katz Communications in Philadelphia, Chicago and New York City, retiring in 1983 as Corporate Vice President and General Sales Manager of their Continental Division. Ed later joined Jefferson Data Services as a consultant and retired as Vice President and General Manager in 1995.

After his last retirement, he returned to Philadelphia, and became active in various organizations and activities. He was President of the Broadcast Pioneers from July 2001 until his death. Our 300 members come from the radio, TV and related industries. He became a member in 1996 and the next year was elected to a three-year term as a member of our Board of Directors. In July 1999, Ed became Vice-President of our organization, a position that he held for two years until his assuming the Presidency. On Friday, November 22, 2002, Ed Papazian was inducted into our "Hall of Fame."

He served terms on the Board of Trustees of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church and as President of their Men's Club. The Armenian Assembly was an important interest for him, and he served as the Membership Chairman for the Delaware Valley area, and was recently honored for his outstanding achievements. Ed also enjoyed European travel, the theater, and the Philadelphia Orchestra.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Gough Potts; three daughters and sons-in-law, Jennifer and Matthew Coulter of Pound Ridge, NY, Jessica and Mark Schlosser of Portland, Oregon, Julie and William Bieluch of Newton, MA; a son Glenn of Newtown Square; a granddaughter, Emma Bieluch; a sister and brother-in-law, Alice and Peter Endrigian; a step-daughter, Hilary Magee, three step-sons, Horace T. Potts IV, Andrew Potts and James Potts, and seven step-grandchildren. His former wife, Gale Bradley, predeceased him.

Pat Delsi, Chairman of the Board of the Broadcast Pioneers said: Ed was one of the finest persons I've ever met and he was a tireless worker. As President, he took the Broadcast Pioneers to new heights. We now have the highest membership in our 40-year history and this participation is due mainly to Ed Papazian. Gerry Wilkinson, a member of our Board said: Ed was a tower of strength and leaders like him are few. He was a man of honor, a person of respect and a gentle, kindhuman being.

The e-mail address of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia is pioneers@broadcastpioneers.com