Christmas Tree Shops Founder Charles Bilezikian Dies at 79

BARNSTABLE, MA — Charles Bilezikian, who founded the Christmas Tree Shops retail chain by opening his first store on Cape Cod in 1970, died Tuesday. He was 79.

The cause was pancreatic cancer, according to his obituary. Bilezikian leaves his wife, Doreen, two children, and several grandchildren.

Bilezikian, who attended Newton public schools, started his company to "support his family." There are now over 70 Christmas Tree Shops spread over 20 states.

"He and his family worked long hours to make the company grow from a small seasonal company to a thriving year-round business which grew to become one of the premiere shopping destinations in the Northeast," his obituary reads. "He was loved by all who knew him and admired for his honesty, integrity and humor. His handshake was his word. His family was his life."

Bilezikian's Christmas Tree Shops—with their everything-under-the-sun inventory and discount prices—grew to become a New England staple. In 2003, he sold his company to Bed Bath & Beyond for $200 million.

Bilezikian died at his Osterville home, according to the Boston Globe.

Bilezikian's funeral will be held Friday at 11 a.m. the First Armenian Church in Belmont. Burial will follow at Newton Cemetery in Newton.

A celebration of his life will be held at the First Congregational Church in Yarmouth Aug. 18 at 11 a.m.

• Charles Bilezikian's Obituary: July 26, 2016

Photo credit: Aram Bedrosian Funeral Home