ALFRED BAGDASARIAN
Alfred Bagdasarian, lovingly known as Ālik (Ալիք) was born on Armenian Christmas Day, January 6, 1937, in Yerevan, Armenia. He passed away peacefully on March 23, 2025, surrounded by his family at his home in San Francisco, California at the age of 88.
Alfred was the oldest living person with cerebral palsy. He was born to Harutyun Bagdasarian and Gohar Khachaturian.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Varditer Rose Misakian, and is survived by his daughter, Zara Bagdasarian and grandson Levon Bagdasarian.
Alfred graduated Yerevan State University with a doctorate in Armenian Language and Literature in 1965. In 1968, he married his loving wife, Varditer Rose Misakian, who was an inspiration and pillar of support in Alfred’s life.
Prof. Bagdasarian soon went to work at Yerevan State University. From 1965 until his departure from Armenia, he guided generations of students in language, literature, history, and culture. He imparted the vast wisdom and depth of Armenian history, language, and culture to multiple graduating classes over the years.
Alfred’s work and teachings were instrumental in asserting the Armenian peoples proper and legitimate claim to their history, culture, and land as indigenous people of the Armenian Highlands.
As a community organizer, Alfred believed in the power of unity, knowledge, and the preservation of the Armenian soul and spirit. Throughout his life, he was driven to serve and protect his nation and her multi-millennia history and culture.
During the 50th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in 1965, he was one of the young intellectual activists and organizers who worked to bring recognition and awareness to the Armenian Genocide.
In 1987, Alfred was one of the main organizers and founder of the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) movement and demanded for the reunification of Nagorno-Karabakh and Nakhichevan with Soviet Armenia. He actively campaigned for independence of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh and its unification with Armenia.
In 1990, he was elected state representative (Patgamavor) to serve in the Supreme Council of the Republic of Armenia — the highest legislative body in Armenia — from 1990 to 1995.
Alfred immigrated to the United States in the early 90s, where he continued his work, wrote extensively, and was actively involved in the Armenian community. During this time he wrote over 300 articles, including a number of short stories and poems.
Alfred never walked due to his condition and had to carry himself using his crutches. He emphasized the importance of all the virtues that make great men great: mental will, resilience, perseverance, wisdom, courage, humility, kindness, a love for humanity, and a determination to always strive to be the best you can be.
He exercised vigorously to ensure his body, heart, and mind were strong, and emphasized the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Alfred loved life and was grateful to herbal medicine for helping him live a healthy life. He was always thankful to God for all of life’s blessings.
Alfred spent his last days enjoying the beauty of San Francisco with his daughter, Zara, and grandson, Levon. He will be remembered as an extraordinary man whose impact will be deeply felt for years to come. A loving husband, father, grandfather, writer, professor, educator, and statesman who dedicated his life to his family and nation.
A requiem and memorial service, open to the public, will be held on April 27, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. following Sunday Mass at St. John Armenian Church, located at 275 Olympia Way, San Francisco, CA 94131.
