Donald J. Aharonian

Mr. Donald J. Aharonian, of Newton, formerly of Weston, died Saturday, February 23, 2019 at Lasell House. He was 85.

Born on April 18, 1933 in Worcester, he was a son of the late Louis K. and Agnes (Kabadaian) Aharonian Sr. Raised and educated in Worcester, he graduated with the class of 1950 from Classical High School and then earned his Bachelor's degree in Economics from Clark University in 1954, where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He later earned his Master's degree in 1960 from Clark. After graduating from college, he served as an officer in the United States Navy, and later in the Naval Reserves for 29 years, retiring with the rank of Commander. In July of 1960, he married Lucy Kasparian in the Armenian Church of Our Savior in Worcester. They lived in West Roxbury and France before buying their first house in Framingham; they moved to Weston in 1969. Lucy died November 5, 2006 and Donald moved to Lasell Village in Newton in 2013.

Donald worked as a data processing manager for various companies in the greater Boston area including Digital Equipment Corporation for 15 years before retiring.

An avid traveler, he and Lucy travelled near and far, from Nantucket to Egypt. He loved to read and talk with family and friends. He enjoyed music including classical and marching band as well as singing with the Voices of Experience at Lasell Village. As a proud alumnus of Clark University, he served as a class agent and was active in alumni activities. More recently, he was a member and served on the board of the Boston Ethical Society/Community.

In addition to his wife, Lucy, he is predeceased by his brother Louis K. Aharonian Jr (late Irma).

He leaves his children, Christine E. Aharonian of Dedham and Gregory C. Aharonian (Susan) of Sherborn; his grandchildren Nathaniel, Julia and Andrew Aharonian; his sister, Carol Foley (Arthur) of Hyde Park; 3 nieces.

Family and friends will honor and remember Donald's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Thursday, February 28th from 4 to 8 pm. His Funeral Service will be celebrated on Friday, March 1st in The First Parish Church in Weston, 349 Boston Post Road at 10 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in Linwood Cemetery.

Memorials in his name may be made to National Association for Armenian Studies & Research, 395 Concord Avenue, Belmont, MA 02478 or the Parkinson's Support Group at Jewish Family & Children Services, 1430 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02451.