BELMONT, Mass. — Walter Gregory Vartanian, Esq., of Belmont, Massachusetts, passed away on October 20 at the age of 91. A respected immigration attorney, devoted family man, and proud Armenian-American, Walter will be remembered for his intellect, generosity, humor, and enduring curiosity about the world.
Born in Brighton on March 5, 1935, and raised in Cambridge, Walter was the son of Armenian immigrants whose experiences helped shape his appreciation for education, perseverance, and opportunity. He graduated from Boston University and earned his law degree from Boston University School of Law in 1959, where he served on the Law Review.
Among the early immigration attorneys practicing in Boston, Walter devoted more than 55 years to representing individuals, families, and businesses navigating the American immigration system. As the son of immigrants, he brought both professional expertise and a personal understanding of the challenges faced by those seeking to establish their lives in the United States. His work on the 1990 landmark case Matter of Delitizer changed how employment-based immigrant petitions are adjudicated and led to the nickname “Delitizer” by his peers.
In 1960, Walter established the Law Firm of Walter G. Vartanian. Forty years later it became Vartanian & Vartanian with the addition of his son Gregory, with whom he practiced alongside for another 20 years. He served as president of the New England Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the Cambridge-Arlington-Belmont Bar Association. He was a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association and admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States.
Deeply connected to his Armenian heritage, Walter was active in numerous community organizations. He served as vice president and secretary of the Parish Council of Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston, as a board member of the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research, and as chairman of the Council of Armenian Executives. He was also a member of the Knights of Vartan and the Masons.
Beyond his professional life, Walter possessed a keen intellect, an extraordinary memory, and a lifelong interest in history, politics, sports, and world affairs. He enjoyed lively conversation, spirited debate, and sharing stories, often accompanied by his quick wit and distinctive sense of humor. His generosity and willingness to help others were equally characteristic of the man he was.
