Edward J. Khantzian

GROVELAND – Edward J. Khantzian, 85, resident of Groveland, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on March 21, 2021.

Edward was born on May 26, 1935, proud son of Rose and John Khantzian in Haverhill, MA. His parents were hard working people migrating to this country from Armenia after the first world war. Having lost his father at an early age, he quickly began work in his family store, alongside his beloved mother and sisters at Armory Confectionary on Kenoza Avenue in Haverhill, MA. Always curious and eager to learn, he pursued his dream of attending college, becoming the first in his family to graduate, attending first Merrimack College then graduating from Boston University in 1958. He then attended Albany Medical College and received his medical degree in 1963. He was a founding member of the Department of Psychiatry at The Cambridge Hospital and a Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Khantzian spent more than 40 years studying psychological factors associated with drug and alcohol abuse and was devoted to his patients and the many lives he touched in his work. He was recognized by many professional organizations and honored with many awards for his work in the field.  He was a founder and essential leader of the Physician Health Services, Inc., (PHS) since before PHS’ incorporation in 1993. PHS has reached and helped thousands of physicians and students under his guidance, wisdom, and caring. PHS gives out the Edward J. Khantzian Physician Health Distinguished Service Award every year to someone affiliated with PHS who has gone above and beyond in service to PHS participants and physician health.  Dr. Khantzian, was the esteemed and beloved Chair for over two decades. He will be missed.

Ed was also an avid sports fan watching his beloved Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics and Bruins with his family. He was a passionate tennis player spending countless hours on his precious tennis court with family and many friends, all of whom enjoyed the “wit and wisdom of Edward J. Khantzian” on that same court. He was a constant presence in the stands at countless sporting events, always cheering on his grandchildren and their teammates.

More than anything, Ed loved his family. He met and married his wife Carolann DeAndrus in 1959 and resided in Groveland for more than 50 years. Edward and Carol would have celebrated 62 years of marriage this May. Ed and Carol are the parents of four loving children, and grandparents of 13. His children and his grandchildren were his joy. “Papa” lives on through his many words of wisdom, and the family he founded with love. He reminded us, “success in life requires paying attention to the basics, starting with showing up and hanging in there”.

Surviving members of his family include his beloved wife Carolann (DeAndrus) Khantzian, his daughters Nancy Modlish and her husband Matt of Seabrook, NH, Susan Wall and her husband Don of North Wales, PA, Jane Khantzian (Wolbach) of Groveland, MA and son John Khantzian and his wife Jennifer of Washington Crossing, PA. He also leaves cherished grandchildren Christopher, John, Carolyn and Jeffrey Modlish, Ryan, Evan and Trevor Wall, Cameron, Lucas and Sydney Wolbach, and Jenna, Sarah and Kaylee Khantzian. He is also survived by his sister Eliza (Alice) Basmajian and was predeceased by his sister Gladys Mooradian.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 26, in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 S. Main Street, Haverhill from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Funeral Services will be privately held on Saturday with burial following in Linwood Cemetery, Haverhill. Please meet at the cemetery main entrance on Mill Street at 11:45 AM. Note to wear face coverings and social distancing measures will be in place. We hope you will consider donating in Dr. Khantzian’s name to the Physician Health Services, Inc. 860 Winter Street, Waltham, MA 02451. PHS is 501(c)3 non-profit subsidiary of the MMS whose mission is dedicated to improving the health, well-being and effectiveness of physicians and medical students in MA while promoting patient safety. Donations are tax deductible. For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com

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