Apo Ashjian, of Waltham, MA, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026 with his loving family by his side.
Beloved husband of Arlet Ashjian. Devoted father of Alina Ashjian Palanjian and her husband Sevag, Garineh Ashjian and her husband Hrag, Vrej Ashjian and his girlfriend Megan Kaloukian. Treasured grandfather to Liana, Sevana, and Alique Palanjian, and Arek and Aren Thomasian. Proud son of the late Joseph and Alice Ashjian. Adored brother of Sona Ashjian, Hagop Ashjian and his wife Arpie, and brother-in-law Alfred Ghoughasian. Loving uncle to Araz and Sariné Ashjian. Also survived by many caring family members and dear friends.
Born in Aleppo, Syria, Apo moved to Lebanon at the age of 3 with his family. In 1970 he migrated to the U.S. with his family and settled in Cambridge, MA. He later attended Northeastern University majoring in physical education and was a collegiate soccer player. After moving to America, Apos' parents felt it was important to preserve his Armenian identity and signed him up in as many Armenian youth organizations as possible. He joined the Tekeyan Cultural Association at the age of 17, and there he developed a passion for Armenian dance. This led him to direct the AGBU Daron Dance Ensemble in 1980 and the Hamazkayin Erebuni Dance Ensemble from 1981-1985. In 1986, Apo and a few very special individuals felt it was important to form an independent dance company, one free of any political or religious affiliation - so that all individuals from all walks of life could join. This is when he founded the Sayat Nova dance Company of Boston in 1986 and directed its premiere performance that November to a sold-out audience. In October 1987, Ashjian traveled and studied with various dance ensembles throughout Armenia. He studied extensively with renowned choreographers and expert ethnographers and in 1994, he received his certification as an Armenian dance Director and Choreographer. In 1995, Apo also opened ABAKA Dance Academy where he instilled the love of Armenian culture into the children of our community, giving generations of children something to belong to.
Through Sayat Nova Dance company of Boston and ABAKA, the number of individuals that Apo has impacted is immeasurable. The lessons he taught went far beyond dance steps and choreography. He was a father figure and a role model, helping shape lives for countless individuals. His gentle guidance and grounding presence taught discipline and pride. By giving his life to something bigger than himself, he encouraged others to also lead a life with purpose. He did not only promote Armenian culture through dance, but also as a hairdresser, where he would educate his non-Armenian clients about Armenian culture and music. Many of his clients actually traveled to Armenia to visit the country after hearing from Apo about what a beautiful place it is. Apo's ambitious character was contagious. As an 18-time marathon runner, and a track & field coach - he quickly gained followers to run and cycle alongside him. Even when running marathons, he promoted our culture, carrying the Armenian flag across the finish line.
A man of great integrity and highest character, Apo's influence as a public figure didn't come close to the immense influence he had on his family. Apo met his wife Arlet in 1980. They married in 1981, and had 3 beautiful children - Alina, Garineh, and Vrej. He was so proud, not just of them, but of their significant others too - Sevag, Hrag, and Megan. Above all else, Apo’s proudest role was being a grandfather to his five grandchildren, Liana, Arek, Sevana, Aren, and Alique. His love for them was immeasurable and his legacy lives on through them.
Funeral service will be held at Saint Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church, 38 Elton Avenue, Watertown on Friday, May 8 at 11:00 a.m. Visiting hours will be held at church on Friday morning from 10:00 – 11:00 am, immediately prior to the funeral service. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment at Ridgelawn Cemetery, Watertown. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston (PO Box 490 Newton, MA 02456 or Donate Here).