Alexander J. Alexanian of Winthrop, passed away on July 19, 2016, at the age of 81. Alex was the beloved husband of the late Sandra (Cochrane) Alexanian and dear father of Michael Alexanian of Kingston, MA and Kristen (Alexanian) Messias and her husband Fernando of Winthrop. Alex leaves his sister Helen (Alexanian) Smith of Charleston WV and grandchildren Lindsey, Megan, Hannah, Kimberley and Fernando Jr. as well as his nieces and nephews.

Alex was born in Revere to the late Alexander and Elizabeth Alexanian, both of whom had emigrated from Turkey.  

Alex worked in Education for over 35 years. He received both his MS Ed and PHD in Special Education from Boston University.

 His worked at UMass Amherst, Dearborn Laboratory School of Lesley University.  The majority of his professional career was spent as the Director of Pupil for the Reading Public Schools system where he was a pioneer in Special Education, specifically introducing the concept of “main streaming” within the Reading Public School System in the late 70’s / early 80’s as a way to provide both social and education opportunities to children with learning disabilities.  His program was considered a hallmark and frequently identified as such.

Upon retirement he still continued his passionate interest in community service as he played the role emergency Special Ed Dir for several communities in Massachusetts.

Alex believed in the human spirit and that every child deserved the best education and opportunities that we as a society could muster.  This is why he ran and was elected to serve on the Winthrop School Committee for several terms.

Family and friends are cordially invited to attend the visitation from the funeral home on Thursday, July 28, 2016 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. A celebration of life will be held in the funeral home following the visitation at 7:00 PM. Committal will be private.

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