STEPHEN (STEVE) JIRAIR HOVNANIAN entered into peaceful rest on Monday, September 15, 2025, after a hard journey with PSP. He left behind a legacy of family devotion, community service, and music that echoed through generations. Community was central to his life. At work, he carried forward the vision of his father Jirair as a leader of J.S. Hovnanian & Sons, guiding the company that built thousands of homes across South Jersey and turning neighborhoods into lasting communities. In his Armenian community, Steve poured his energy into Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Cheltenham, where he and Nancy were honored with the St. Vartan Award for their tireless dedication. He played a foundational role in the Ararat Center in upstate New York, serving on the site selection committee and later on the board for many years. He also helped make possible renovations and improvements to the facility, ensuring it remained a welcoming place where young people could grow in faith, culture, and friendship; as he believed this was vital to the future of the Armenian Church.

Steve also shared his gift for music, lending his voice to the renowned Vosbikian Band as well as a lifetime member of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church choir. Whether singing traditional melodies or enlivening a crowded dance floor, he brought joy and connection through song. To those who knew him, Steve embodied generosity, faith, and strength in every endeavor. His legacy endures in the homes he built, the communities he strengthened, the music he loved, and most of all, the family he treasured.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00pm, on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at The Bradley Funeral Home, 601 Rt 73 S. (entrance on Evesham Rd), Marlton, NJ 08053.

Visitation will also be from 9:30 to 11:00am, on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Holy Trinity Armenian Church, 101 Ashmead Road, Cheltenham, PA 19012.

A funeral service will begin at 11:00am, at the church. Burial will follow at Lakeview Memorial Park, Cinnaminson, New Jersey.

Those wishing to honor Steve’s legacy may do so through a donation to Holy Trinity Armenian Church or the Ararat Center, in lieu of flowers. Online donations are welcome, or checks may be made payable to Holy Trinity Armenian Church (mailed to 101 Ashmead Road, Cheltenham, PA 19012) or Ararat Center (mailed to Diocese of the Armenian Church, 630 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 10016).

https://www.bradleyfhmarlton.com/obituaries/Stephen-Jirair-Hovnanian?obId=45420143