Aram Atmaca, a beloved father and respected Rye business owner, passed away on Feb. 10, 2024, at the age of 66.

Born on Aug. 22, 1957, in Istanbul, Turkey, he embarked on a journey that took him from his homeland at the age of 18 to the United States, where he would leave an indelible mark on the lives of those around him.

He was known for his quick wit and contagious sense of humor, a trait that was amplified by his fondness for film comedies. He approached life with determination and a strong work ethic, qualities that propelled him through his career as the owner of Falcon Cleaners on Purdy Avenue for nearly four decades.

Mr. Atmaca was a devoted father who cherished the time he spent with his daughter, Elise, particularly their talks while sharing a slice at Sunrise Pizza or having lunch at Town Dock. He found joy in their shared interests in Calvin & Hobbes comic strips, Laurel and Hardy shorts, and the “Pink Panther” movies. His bond with Elise was a source of great happiness and strength throughout his life.

He also had a deep passion for sports cars and collectables.

His presence in the lives of those who knew him was truly special. John Givelekian, with whom he enjoyed a 49-year friendship, recalled meeting Aram in 1975. “As a new immigrant, Aram was looking to learn a trade in order to make a living. He gravitated to the jewelry district where he met other Armenian teenagers who were apprenticing as diamond setters. But Aram quickly determined he was not cut out for the trade.”

It was through the Armenian Diocese in New York City, Givelekian continued, that Aram was paired with an Armenian dry cleaner in Queens. “He enjoyed the work and the banter with customers, and after a few years he decided to open his own dry-cleaning business, Falcon Cleaners. For a few years he also operated a video and photo processing store on Purchase Street.”

When Mr. Givelekian visited him on Saturdays, Aram would tell him how welcoming and supportive the residents of the town were and encouraged his friend to open an annex of his jewelry business in Rye.

John Givelekian listened, and in 2008 opened Royal Jewels of Rye. In addition to his daughter Elise, Mr. Atmaca is survived by his daughter-in-law, Greimy Atmaca-Ynfante, and his niece, Talar Atmaca Isikbol. He was predeceased by his parents, Anahit and Avedis, and his siblings, Onnig and Arpi.

Donations in Aram Atmaca’s memory can be made to the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.