InternationalJack Antreassian, 89, was executive director of AGBU and Eastern Diocese
Published: Tuesday July 14, 2009
Jack Antreassian, 1920–2009.
But perhaps his most important "second career" venture was Ashod Press, a publishing project named for his beloved brother who died in the Spanish Civil War. The effort, based on a highly personal vision of seeing Armenian literature translated and new writers encouraged and cultivated, produced 32 titles of great Armenian literature, original poetry, essays, memoirs, and its own quarterly newsletter. In 1989, when a friend (who wished to remain anonymous) approached him with the idea of a literary prize for Armenian writers, Jack was instrumental in creating the annual Anahid Award. This has so far celebrated the achievement of 19 writers, granting each a $5,000 stipend and the recognition of a grateful community.
Jack was blessed with a large extended family for whom he felt great affection, counting them as yet another gift in his life. He is survived by his sister, Varsenig, his daughter, Elise, her husband, Papken, who was like a son to him, and their children (his adoring grandchildren), Kohar, Aris, and Vahan Bayizian, with whom he lived for the past 15 years, as well as a son, Michael, his wife, Brenda, and their son, Adam.
He also leaves behind the love of his life, his wife, Alice. She developed Alzheimer's 15 years ago; Jack devotedly cared for her first at home and then at his daughter's house; she finally had to enter the New York Armenian Home, and Jack visited her daily, sometimes twice a day.
During his own illness, to which he succumbed on Saturday, July 4, 2009, he was serenely philosophical. "I have lived a long, happy life. I would be a fool to complain now that I have to leave it. What a lucky man I have been."
Luckier were those who knew and loved him.
The family has asked that in-lieu-of-flowers donations go to the New York Armenian Home, 13731 45th Avenue, Flushing, NY 11355.
