Gregory Michael Kerkorian

Gregory Michael Kerkorian, 83, passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 after a short illness. He was born on May 23, 1942 in Niagara Falls, New York to the late Michael and Queen (Apkarian) Kerkorian. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Christine (Rebman) Kerkorian, his children Michael M. Kerkorian (Chris Penzien) and Mary R. Kerkorian (Kevin Reese), and his grandchildren: Raymond Patrick, Danielle Leigh, and Ivy June Kerkorian-Reese. After teaching music in western New York for 10 years, Greg moved to Grand Rapids, MI where he started a music publishing business in 1975—Lake State Publications. The company published band, orchestra, and handbell music for schools and churches nationwide. Greg personally wrote many pieces in addition to publishing his and other artists’ musical compositions for over 50 years. Originally playing the trumpet, Greg attended Interlochen Center for the Arts where he performed at the dedication of the Mackinac Bridge in 1958. He went on to earn his undergraduate degree in music education from the State University of New York at Fredonia and a graduate degree in music from the University of Michigan. As an adult he played French horn and shared his talent by playing with several community organizations in both New York (Niagara Falls Philharmonic) and West Michigan (Rockford Community Band; Shriner Concert Band). He also directed the Shriner Band for several years in the 1980s. Greg was a lifelong Freemason and member of Doric Lodge #342, serving as Master in 1984. He enjoyed playing senior softball and was an avid volleyball player. Greg and his wife spent many weekends exploring Michigan’s bike trails and together, they traveled to national parks across the U.S. and enjoyed cruises around the world. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, sharing movies, and having milkshakes. A good county or state fair, amusement park, or a historical fort was not to be missed. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025 from 3-5 p.m. at Arsulowicz Brothers Funeral Home, 3525 Remembrance Road, N.W. in Walker, MI. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Armenian Relief Society (https://ars1910.org/give/) or Doric Lodge 342 (https://michiganmasons.org/foundation/lodge-charity-account/donate/). Please select “Doric” for the Lodge selection.

Tributes

Gregory Michael Kerkorian

May 23, 1942 - July 30, 2025