Remembering Aristotle (Art) Derderian

A dear friend of NAFA, Aristotle (Art) Derderian age 93, of West Hartford, Conn., died on May 29, 2019.

Derderian served in the Army Air Corps during WWII and was stationed in the Philippines, obtaining the rank of sergeant. Upon returning home from the war, he began his career in the auto industry, first as a mechanic and later as a dealership service manager.

In 1964, Art joined The Travelers Insurance Company as Fleet Manager, overseeing a nationwide fleet of automobiles. His role evolved to develop policies and procedures for the maintenance and management of the Travelers fleet. He was also a member of Ford Motor Company's Automotive Consumer Board.

Cathy Morrissey, formerly with Ford Motor Company, had this to say: “Through Art’s efforts, Travelers was the first national fleet to go with airbags. This was groundbreaking in the '80s, as airbags were optional. Art also assisted manufacturers with fleet packaging and discounts which assisted in fleet airbag adoption nationally. He truly was a remarkable guy who dealt one-on-one with the CEOs of Ford and Chrysler.” 

Central to Art's life was his Armenian heritage. He was an active and founding member of St. George Armenian Apostolic Church of Hartford, serving many terms on the Parish Council and the Men's Club. He also was a proud a member of the Knights of Vartan, Gamsaragan Lodge, and was the organization's New England District Representative for many years.

Throughout his life and into retirement, Art was an avid gardener and golfer. He could be seen almost daily at West Hartford's Rockledge Country Club, where he won multiple Seniors Championships, shooting rounds better than his age well into his 80s.

NAFA appreciates Art’s contributions to the Association and fleet profession.