Puzant C. Torigian

Puzant C. Torigian

In Loving Memory of
Puzant C. Torigian
1922 – 2021

Puzant Crossley Torigian, 99, of Charlotte, N.C., and formerly of Fort Lee, N.J., passed away peacefully on Oct. 3, 2021. He was born on Sept. 21, 1922 in Constantinople, Turkey, the son of John and Shakeh (Yaver) Torigian. He is survived by his beloved wife, JoAnne. One daughter, Christine Harrison, a granddaughter and two great-granddaughters. Two sons, John Torigian and Michael Torigian. Sisters-in-law Marcelle Curatolo, Camille (Curatolo) Mattiace and her husband Gennaro Mattiace. Nephew John Mattiace and his wife, Angela Mattiace. His niece Carol Ann Revicki, her husband Robert Revicki and great-grandniece Lindsay Grace. 

Although he came to America as an immigrant, Puzant quickly fell in love with his new home and knew he eventually wanted to serve his country. He proudly served in the United States Navy on USS Comstock during WWII, 1942-1946, as Pharmacist’s Mate First Class V-6 USMR. He often reflected fondly
about the camaraderie of his fellow crewmates, and how good the food on the ship was, as the best ingredients were saved for the troops in those days. Around many a holiday dinner table he would reminisce about the past and say these years on Comstock were some of the best times in his life. The patriotism and discipline he learned in the Navy never left him, as family and friends will attest.

Following his years in the Navy, he attended college where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical at Columbia University; a postgraduate degree from New York University; and received a Ph.D. from the University of Eastern Florida. Throughout his career, Puzant served in many executive positions in the pharmaceutical industry, which included spending two years with his wife JoAnne in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as the plant manager for Sterling Drugs International, 1974-1976. He has an impressive resume which includes serving as president of the drug firm M.R. Thompson and being issued several patents. His lifetime dream was to manufacture a nicotine-free, safer-smoke cigarette called “Bravo”, a venture he was dedicated to most of his life. He had patented two unique processes for treating the iceberg lettuce leaf to eliminate any unpleasant aroma or taste when the leaves were dried and rolled into cigarettes in place of tobacco. His passion was to help smokers break their addiction to nicotine so they could live healthier lives.

Despite his extensive education and credentials, Puzant never missed an opportunity to spend time making kids laugh. He would call his niece and nephew on the phone and pretend to be Miss Piggy from the Muppets, and spent hours playing and being silly “Uncle Po Po” with his grandniece Lindsay. He was a member of VFW Post 2942 and American Legion Post 458.

Throughout his long life Puzant was dedicated to his faith and the Armenian Church. He and his wife attended services regularly and were dedicated supporters of the Armenian community. Puzant lived a full and interesting life, always thirsty for more knowledge and forever astounded by the advancements in pharmacology, science and technology throughout the decades of his life. He will be remembered for always finding his unique humor in every situation, his love of family and country, and his deep devotion to God. He was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Sarkis Armenian Church. Following the service, Puzant will be interred in a family plot at Cedar Grove Cemetery in New York.