West Boylston: Anthony J. Barsamian, Sr., 97, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2024. He leaves his partner of 24 years Agnes Killabian of Cranston, RI; two sons, Gregory H. Barsamian and his wife Suzanne of Boylston; a daughter Melanie Bilazarian and her husband Seth of Boston and Anthony J. Barsamian, Jr. and his wife Nancy of Sherborn, 9 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 42 years Jennie (Markarian) Barsamian and by a brother Richard Barsamian.
Anthony was the son of Haroutoun and Hiaganoosh (Djazalian) Barsamian, survivors of the Armenian genocide of 1915-1923, who immigrated to Worcester through Ellis Island. He graduated from Worcester Boys Trade School and worked as a machinist for the H.L. Hanson Company. He proudly served in the US Navy during WWII in the Pacific theater and was a member of the Armenian Church of the Holy Translators and was married and attended the Armenian Church of Our Saviour in Worcester and St. Sahag St. Mesrob Church in Providence, RI. He was a 32-degree Mason and past master of the former Athelstan Lodge, a member of the VFW Post 06907 in West Boylston, and the Greendale Retired Men’s Club.
He had an infectious love of cooking, gardening, travel, and being part of his close-knit Armenian community. He spent his last years surrounded by family who were unceasingly amazed by his vitality into his late final days. With a heart full of generosity, Anthony prepared traditional Armenian choregs (sweet bread) routinely as gifts, and delicacies from church kitchens even to age 97. These were an expression of his deep faith and cultural heritage. They were an embodiment of love, a bridge between generations, and a testament to the enduring spirit of community. His legacy, marked by the countless lives he touched, continues to inspire, and nourish the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him and experiencing his extraordinary gifts.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2024 from 10-11:30 a.m. in The Armenian Church of the Holy Translators 38 Franklin Street, Framingham, Massachusetts. A funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m. in the church. Burial will be private. Nordgren Memorial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations in Anthony's memory may be made to The Armenian Church of the Holy Translators or to The Armenian Tree Project. To leave an online condolence message, please click guestbook link.