WATERTOWN – Watertown is remembering one of its most dedicated civic leaders with the passing of longtime resident John S. Airasian, who died on November 5 at the age of 82. He was laid to rest on November 12 at Mount Auburn Cemetery.

Airasian, who grew up on Oakley Road in East Watertown, was a lifelong product of the city’s schools—attending Hosmer School, East Junior High, and graduating from Watertown High School in 1962. He later earned a degree in business from Boston College.

In 1968, just two years after graduating college, Airasian assumed leadership of Eastern Clothing following the death of his father, Peter, who founded the family business. He and his brother Paul co-owned and operated the company for more than five decades.

Beyond his business career, Airasian became one of Watertown’s most influential civic contributors. He served as a Corporator and Trustee of Watertown Savings Bank, was the first President of the Watertown-Belmont Chamber of Commerce, and was an active Rotarian and Paul Harris Fellow. He was also a founding member of the Watertown Boys and Girls Club.

His civic involvement extended to city government as well. Airasian served on the Watertown Traffic Commission for an extraordinary 52 years. He also chaired both the Arsenal Reuse Committee and the Arsenal Development Corporation, helping guide the direction of the Watertown Arsenal’s redevelopment. Those efforts helped shape several institutions that remain central to the community today, including the Watertown Community Foundation, the preservation of the Commander’s Mansion, and the founding of the Mosesian Center for the Arts.

Airasian leaves behind his wife Marie, sons Peter, Robert, and John, and five grandchildren.

City leaders and community members continue to reflect on Airasian’s deep imprint on Watertown, a place he often described as “the best place in the world.” His decades of dedication, leadership, and service are widely regarded as a model for future generations.

Narrated by Jim Vershbow
Edited by Dan Hogan

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