Maritza V. Yepremian

Maritza V. Yepremian, 76, of Avondale, PA, passed away Friday, October 3, 2025 at the Chester County Hospital in West Chester.

She was the wife of the late Garabed S. Yepremian, aka Garo Yepremian.

Born September 25, 1949, in northeast Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of Armenian Genocide survivors, the late Vartan Garabed Javian and the late Varteny Hagopian Javian.

Maritza graduated from Friends Select School. She earned an associate’s degree from Harcum College, and later her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Miami. During this time, Maritza met her future husband, Garo, a renowned placekicker for the Miami Dolphins.

During Garo’s football career, Maritza devoted her life to caring for their two sons, Garo Jr. and Azad. Following Garo’s retirement from football, he became a popular motivational speaker, and Maritza accompanied and supported him on his travels, as he made appearances at businesses, schools, and charitable events throughout the country. The family moved from Miami to southeastern Pennsylvania in 1991.

When Garo and Maritza’s daughter-in-law, Debby-Lu (Tashjian) Yepremian (Azad’s late wife), was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, they formed the Garo Yepremian Foundation for Brain Tumor Research, which made a large impact on Jefferson Hospital’s research programs.

Along with her travels, Maritza enjoyed art, collecting keepsakes, and most of all, spending time with her family and friends. She was a devoted member of St. Sahag & St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church.

She is survived by her sons, Garo S. Yepremian Jr. (Rebecca) and Azad V. Yepremian (Erika), and her grandchildren, Garo III, Noah, Annabella, and Amelia.

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Friday, October 10, 2025 from 10:00 am - 10:45 am at St. Sahag & St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church 630 Clothier Road Wynnewood, PA 19096; followed by her Funeral Service at 11:00 am.

Interment will be in Oaklands Cemetery West Chester, PA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Sahag & St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church.

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. of West Chester, PA 610-696-1181; www.DellaFH.com