Obituary: Aris G. Sevag (1946-2012)

Aris Sevag, editor of AGBU's Ararat Magazine, passed away on April 28.

Aris Sevag, loving husband, father, educator, writer, editor, and translator, passed away on April 28 in his home in Jackson Heights, N.Y., after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in 1946 in Philadelphia to Dr. and Mrs. Manasseh Sevag, his intellectual curiosity and commitment was evident from his early years. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, this curiosity took him around the country and around the world. Ultimately, he focused on his life’s mission: to serve his Armenian nation that he loved.

In a lifetime of service as a teacher, educator, writer, activist, editor, and most notably, expert translator, his meticulous intensity, discipline, and passionate intellect allowed him to honorably and humbly serve his people throughout his distinguished literary career. His kindness, generosity, warm heart, passion for life, and robust sense of humor touched and inspired all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his loving wife Asdghig, son Armen, daughters Aida, Alice, and Ani, and brother Paul.

In lieu of flowers, donations (which will be distributed to various orphanages in Armenia in his memory) may be sent to Mrs. Asdghig Sevag, 33-39 80th Street, Apt. 2, Jackson Heights, NY 11372.

5 Comments

  1. I am saddened to hear about the passing of Aris Sevag. He was a great and influential man of Armenian letters. I will always recall, fondly, the email exchanges with him and greatly appreciate his publishing and editing of the articles I submitted to the Armenian Reporter when he was the editor.

    My deepest sympathies to his wife and children.

  2. May 11, 2012

    My condolences to Mr. Sevag’s wife and children.

    I spoke to him on the phone a few times about the AGBU magazine that was sent to me and how much I enjoyed reading it from cover to cover.

    Even though Mr. Sevag did not know me, he was very gracious and helpful in answering any questions I had.

    Again, my condolences to his family.

    Sincerely,
    Jean Mangasarian

  3. Aris Sevag was the epitome of Armenian journalism — a man who answered every call as a personal mission and one who symbolized the goodness in man. He was a consummate editor with The Armenian Reporter, a prolific write and a versatile translator, probably the best there was at his craft. Given the erudite qualities ofr the man, he liked nothing better than to watch his son perform with the Aravod Band. Music was his panacea. His demise certainly creates a void in our journalistic world.

  4. Aris Sevag is and was a wonderful human being, life goes on with his beautiful memories.
    Our heartfelt condolences to Asdghig and the family members.

  5. Aris and I were close friends at the University of Pennsylvania. I wish we had stayed in touch. I just saw his obituary. I loved him. He was one of my best friends. I miss him still.

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