A Family Affair

Some of Robert “Rob” Marookian’s fondest childhood memories are visiting dairy farms with his father, Edgar Marookian, V’54. The two would travel together through Hunterdon County’s rolling hills as Edgar checked on the cows—and the farmers.

“I was so proud to watch him work. The farmers, who were real characters, loved him, and he felt the same way,” Marookian said. “My dad was my hero, and he was always so proud that he graduated from Penn Vet.”

Marookian shared a favorite story about one of his father’s earliest cases. “He received a call for a cow that had eaten a bunch of metal nails and barbed wire fencing. He told the farmer, Orville Rounsaville, surgery was necessary, and it would be tricky. So, he also told the guy that if the cow died, he’d owe nothing on the visit.”

“This,” said Marookian, “was my dad in a nutshell.”

The cow survived, and the gentleman went to all the other farmers in local townships and told them to “hire this kid.” Marookian remains friends with his son Bruce to this day.

After that, Edgar, a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, 6th Ranger Battalion, built a steady practice until the number of dairy farms dwindled. He then entered veterinary pharmaceuticals, eventually establishing a consulting business before retiring in 1992. Penn Vet alumni and students will also recognize his name from the E.R. Marookian, VMD Auditorium, which was named in 1999 in gratitude for the highly regarded veterinarian, businessman, and noted alumnus.

In 2006, the Marookian family attended the dedication of the E.R. Marookian, VMD Auditorium, located in Hill Pavilion. One of two new lecture halls, the auditorium allowed an expansion of class size while providing students with vital, state-of-the-art teaching space. 

The Gifts of Love and Discipline

Along with his father, Marookian’s mother—Myrval Elizabeth Jones Marookian—profoundly influenced him and his brother Edgar, Jr., who passed away in 1990. Both Myrval and Edgar, Sr. are deceased as well.

“We were blessed to have such loving parents,” said Marookian. “They loved us and gave us the discipline to work hard and contribute wherever we go, in whatever we do.”

Marookian owns Precision Building, a New Jersey-based contracting business. Edgar, Jr., was a physician and alumnus of Penn Medicine.

“My brother was six years older than me,” said Marookian. “He was very bright, just super bright, and I adored him. In contrast, I was always considered a little bit of the black sheep of the family. My brother was a doctor, my father a veterinarian, and my mother was a dedicated fourth- grade teacher, but school wasn’t for me. I dropped out of college and had a partier streak for a few years. My mom and dad stuck by me always, and I am forever grateful.”

Honoring a Legacy

The businessman and private pilot—Marookian co-owns Sky Manor Airport in Pittstown, New Jersey—takes every opportunity to show his gratitude. His most recent tribute was a gift to Penn Vet in memory of his mother and brother. He made a current and planned gift to support two rooms in the new Riepe Center on New Bolton Center’s campus. One of the rooms was given jointly with Edgar, Jr.’s estate and the other in honor of Myrval.

“I recently visited New Bolton Center,” said Marookian. “Seeing the old farmhouse and the little courtyard brought everything together for me. The place is meaningful to my family, and I want to support it to remember people I love and miss very much.”

He added that giving is a celebration of his parents and brother’s legacy: “They left an imprint on me that if you can give to something that’s going to benefit other people and the world, why not? My dad always said that if you’re blessed, you give back. Well, I am blessed and grateful. Giving back is the best way to show it.”