In Memoriam

Armand Zildjian, President and Chairman of the Zildjian Company in Norwell, Mass., died Thursday, Dec. 26, at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was 81.

Born in Quincy, Mass., he attended local schools including Thayer Academy and Colgate University until called to serve in the Philippines in 1942. Upon his return, he entered the family business, the world's largest cymbal manufacturer and the oldest company in America. An amateur musician himself, Zildjian said he felt privileged to have been born into a musical dynasty, which dates back to 1623. Appointed President of the Zildjian Company two years before his father's death, Armand took over the role of family patriarch in 1977.

Zildjian was known for his charismatic personality and warm personal relationship with drummers. He hand-selected cymbals for such drummers as Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Max Roach, Jo Jones and many others and matched cymbals for the Boston Symphony and leading orchestras around the world. He created new product innovations in response to the ever-changing needs of musicians and remained deeply involved in the operation of the company until his death.

Zildjian received an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music, was inducted into the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame, and Guitar Center's Rock Walk in Hollywood, and most recently received Modern Drummer magazine's Editors Achievement Award.

In addition to his wife, Andra, he leaves four children (Wendy Mets, Craigie, Debbie and Robert Zildjian), three stepchildren, eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, several cousins, nieces and nephews, and a brother, Robert.

The funeral will be a private, family service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Armand Zildjian Percussion Scholarship, c/o Berklee College of Music, 1140 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215, and the Zildjian Family Opportunity Fund, c/o Percussive Arts Society, 701 NW Ferris Ave., Lawton, OK 73507.

More information about Armand Zildjian can be found in the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame.
Also see the Zildjian Family Opportunity Fund.