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BARNSTABLE, Mass. (AP) — The man who founded the Christmas Tree Shops discount retail chain with a single store on Cape Cod has died. Charles Bilezikian (bihl-uh-ZIHK-ee-un) was 79.
The Aram Bedrosian Funeral Home says Bilezikian died Tuesday of pancreatic cancer.
Bilezikian and his wife, Doreen, bought a small seasonal holiday gift shop in Yarmouth, Massachusetts, in 1970. Over the years they opened more stores on Cape Cod and Massachusetts.
The chain was sold in 2003 to Bed Bath & Beyond. There are now about 70 Christmas Tree Shops locations in 21 states.
According to his obituary, Bilezikian was devoted to his family and loved Christmas.
He's survived by his wife of 52 years, two sons and six grandchildren.
A funeral service is scheduled for Friday at Belmont's First Armenian Church.
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