Remembering Dr. Marcos Kotoyan
In loving memory of Dr. Marcos Kotoyan, MD—a devoted pediatric endocrinologist and compassionate physician—who passed away following a distinguished medical career spanning more than five decades.
Dr. Kotoyan dedicated his life to the care of children and families, in general pediatric and pediatric endocrinology. His work was not merely a profession, but a calling rooted in deep compassion and steady commitment.
He earned his medical degree from the American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine in 1968. He subsequently moved to the United States, where he completed his pediatric residency at Cook County Hospital in Chicago in 1972, followed by a fellowship in pediatric endocrinology at the University of Louisville in Kentucky in 1973. He then joined the faculty of the University of Kentucky School of Medicine, serving for nine years. During this time, he received three awards in recognition of his excellence as an outstanding clinical professor.
In 1982, Dr. Kotoyan moved to California and went on to build a highly respected practice in Los Angeles. He was fluent in Armenian, Arabic, and English enabling him to connect with patients from diverse backgrounds and earn their deep trust. He was known for his warm bedside manner, clinical expertise, and the genuine care he extended to every patient and family, always with humility, dedication, and excellence.
Dr. Kotoyan was affiliated with Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, where he served as Chair of the Department of Pediatrics.
Dr. Kotoyan was married to Perla Nazarian Kotoyan, a former pediatric and public health nurse. Their son, Rafi Kotoyan, followed in his father’s footsteps and is a cardiothoracic surgeon practicing in the Los Angeles area.
Beyond his demanding professional life, Dr. Kotoyan served the Armenian community with steadfast devotion. He was a long-time and respected member of the Armenian American Medical Society (AAMS) and remained committed to advancing Armenian healthcare initiatives and supporting the next generation of physicians.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the AAMS Juvenile Diabetes Project, a cause closely aligned with Dr. Kotoyan’s life’s work and passion. The AAMS Juvenile Diabetes Center is dedicated to improving access to specialized diabetes care for children and adolescents, while promoting education, early intervention, and community-based support for families affected by juvenile diabetes.
Dr. Kotoyan’s legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, the children he helped thrive, and the community he faithfully served. He will be remembered with profound gratitude, deep respect, and enduring love.
May he rest in eternal peace.
Funeral services will be held on
Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 9:00 AM
Forest Lawn – Hollywood Hills
Old North Church (Red Church)
6300 Forest Lawn Drive
Los Angeles, CA
A memorial luncheon will follow at the Carousel Restaurant, located at:
304 N. Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to:
Armenian American Medical Society
Juvenile Diabetes Project
Your presence and support are deeply appreciated during this time of remembrance and reflection.