Melcon G. Melconian

 Former Mobil executive
    HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP — Melcon G. Melconian died Nov. 23 at home. He was 78.
   He was a former executive at Mobil Oil Corp. and an active member of the Armenian-American community.
   Born in Baghdad, Iraq, he was educated at the American Jesuit College in Baghdad and the University of Birmingham in England, where he received a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. He then came to the U.S. for postgraduate studies, earning a master’s degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
   His 45-year career in the oil industry began as a chemical engineer for several years at Phillips Petroleum and then Foster Wheeler. In 1962, he joined Mobil Oil, where he worked for 32 years. He played a critical role in the development of major refinery projects the U.S., Europe, New Zealand and the Middle East. The primary focus of his work was process engineering, a field in which he spearheaded innovative work and was awarded several U.S. patents on behalf of Mobil Oil. Later, he established an oil consulting firm and developed a lecture series delivered to chemical engineers around the world.
   He participated in and supported many organizations, such as the Armenian General Benevolent Union (President’s Club), the Armenian Assembly of America (board member), Armenian Missionary Association of America, and the Armenia Fund USA. He was an active member and president of the Princeton Middle East Society, inviting scholars and dignitaries for lectures and participating as an non-governmental organization at the United Nations.
   Reared in the Armenian Apostolic Church, he and his wife attended services at the Armenian Evangelical Church of New York, where he also served as moderator and, most recently, as chairman of the Ministerial Search Committee.
   In 2004, Mr. Melconian managed the translation from Armenian to English and sponsored the publication of the memoirs of his great uncle, Zaven Der Yeghiayan, the patriarch of Constantinople from 1913 to 1922. As a lifelong student of history, he regularly attended lectures and participated in panel discussions at Princeton University. He remained an avid reader, particularly of history, and enjoyed many cultural activities both in Princeton and New York.
   Son of the late of Garabed and Aznive Melconian, he is survived by his wife of 46 years, Hilda; sons Gregory and Philip, both of New York City; daughter-in-law Nyire; grandson Henry; brother Vahe of Downingtown, Pa.; sister Marlene Setrakian of Beirut, Lebanon; and many cousins, nephews and nieces.
   Memorial contributions may be made to the Armenian Missionary Association of America, 31 West Century Road, Paramus, NJ, 07652 or St. Vartan Cathedral. 630 Second Avenue, New York, NY, 10016.
   Arrangements were by Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, Princeton.