Tribute: Remembering Val Asbedian

He was a man about town, serving nine years as a Bedford selectman and teaching night courses in business at Middlesex Community College while serving on its Board of Directors for a decade. In addition, he served on the Bedford Finance Committee, the Bedford Cable Television Committee and the Zoning Board of Appeals.

He was also a volunteer at the Bedford Veterans Administration facility and Household Goods in Action, doling out items to unfortunate citizens in need. He helped seniors with their income taxes and served for years on the Bedford Council on Aging.

In all, his service to the town extended 35 years, from 1979 to 2014.

“Val was attentive in keeping the cost of town services at a manageable and affordable level,” said Town Manager Rick Reed. “He had a great concern for its citizens, especially the elderly. Val will be missed by all who knew him, especially his loving family.”

The Armenian side was equally as distinct, growing up as a New York “Hyortik” AYF member, serving its central bodies and AYF Camp Hayastan Board of Directors for 25 years.

“The Armenian word ‘Asbed’ stands for chevalier or knight,” Rev. Antranig Baljian pointed out. “It was a name chosen by Val’s father to embody the chivalrous ideals and principals he wished in his children and grandchildren. Val was truly a knight in shining armor, full of devotion to God and country.”

Others mirrored similar sentiments to their friend, including Mesrob Odian, who knew Val as a 12-year-old. Both were interested in aviation and visited the Aviation Museum in Ohio together.

“Even in his ill state, he was concerned about genocide commemoration preparations a year ago,” Odian said. “He wanted to help. He wore that joyful smile and was so upbeat on everything. I have many fond memories of him on a motor scooter. Our daughter referred to him as Uncle Val the Rocket Scientist because he worked on the Lunear Excursion Module. His hugs were so tight, they almost hurt.”

John and Violet Dagdigian recall their friend whose smile would light up a room.

“Even with his declining health, he had that great smile on his face. It will help console us in our bereavement. Val was full of optimism, energy, accomplishment and dedication to the Armenian-American community.”

Tamar Hajian recalls a gentle man who was a towering figure in the 1960s throughout the Armenian Youth Federation.

“Val’s leadership and organizational skills at AYF conventions, Camp Hayastan and the New York’s World’s Fair in 1964 cannot be overlooked,” said Hajian. “He would often talk about Cuba where he was born and how his family persevered in Brooklyn, NY, where they settled. In an unassuming way, he convinced many young people to respect and advance their Armenian heritage.”

In addition to his wife of 50 years, Nancy (Fantazian) Asbedian, he leaves two children, Susan Ciaffi and her husband Marco, and James Asbedian and his wife Amy, along with six grandchildren and a legion of friends and acquaintances, including his brother-in-law, Dr. James Fantazian. He was predeceased by a brother, Kenneth.