Obituary of Varty Vartanian

Varty “Walter” Vartanian, 80, passed away December 24, 2018 at home with his loving family by his side. Walter was born in Worcester Massachusetts on July 6, 1938 to the late Vortig and Lucy Vartanian who were survivors of the Armenian genocide. He proudly served an enlistment in the United States Air Force Reserve and was the owner of several businesses including, Betty’s Spa in Worcester MA, The Donut Kitchen in Holden MA, Rockport Corner Shop in Rockport ME, and Osterville Cheese Shop in Osterville MA. He will fondly be remembered by his friends, family and patrons for his antics and sarcastic sense of humor. A few joys of his life were spending time with his grandchildren and watching murder mysteries with his wife. He played the dumbeg in The Aramite Band, a group widely known in the Armenian community in Worcester, MA, during the late 1950s with his dear cousin Kap Kaprielian. Walter was considered one of the finest Dumbeg and bongo players in the country at the time. Walter was predeceased by his parents. Surviving are his loving wife of 57 years, Lorraine Vartanian; his children, Mark Vartanian and his wife Tracy, Shari Hellstrom and her fiancé Thomas McLellan and Kristina Hilt and her husband Benjamin; his sister Dian Belsito and his grandchildren, Taylor, Bailey, Gunnar, Garrett and Grace. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Walter’s name to Mid-Coast Transportation. Memorial services are private.