Joseph Asa Yasaian's Obituary
Joseph Asa Yasaian, 73, of Rochester, New Hampshire passed away on November 2, 2022 peacefully. Joe decided to spend his last days surrounded by his close friends in Tennessee, Rana and Len Beasley. Joe was born in Camden, New Jersey, son of the late Zabell (Tootgooshian) and Zaven Yasaian. He graduated in the first graduating class of Cinnaminson High School in 1967. He received his Master’s degree in Human Development from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Rutherford, NJ; and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from LaSalle College, Philadelphia, PA. Joe’s career started as a history teacher for the Cinnaminson TWP school district in the 1970s. He served in the NJ National Guard, Co C 50th Maintenance Bn, Camden, NJ from 1970 to 1978 and left with an honorable discharge. His rank was SP5.
Joe most recently retired in 2019 from Bristol Community College, Attleboro Campus, where he was the Director of Campus Services. In his role, he created many bonds with students, faculty, and staff. He contributed to the growth of the Attleboro Campus and coordinated the study abroad program, traveling with students to places such as Germany, Peru, Portugal, Costa Rica, England, Barcelona, Rome and his most recent trip to Greece in March of 2020. Prior to working at Bristol Community College, he was employed at McIntosh College, Dover, NH and held various positions from teaching to administrative positions. Prior to that, Joe spent many years working for Host Marriott Corporation and spent time abroad in the Netherlands and Poland implementing the Marriott brand in their expansion of the hospitality business internationally. Joe enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and never missed out on an opportunity to laugh, smile, or travel. Survivors of Joe are Jacquie Valeri Amiriantz married to the late Gregory Amiriantz; Vahe G. Amiiantz; Andrew Kzirian, married to Madonna Kzirian; Melanie Kzirian, married to Keith Mason, Michele Tootgooshian-Mitchell married to Michael Mitchell. He also leaves very close friends who he considered his family, Tom Petrillo from Newport, RI, Peter Santos who was like a son to him, Peter’s sons Xavier Chadwick and Rory Santos, and Peter’s daughters Adelina Santos and Gabriela Santos, all from Massachusetts. Joe was a member of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Haverhill, MA and was involved with St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church of Philadelphia. Joe will be remembered for his contagious laugh that will live with us forever.
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