PETER AJEMIAN

1955 - 2022

AJEMIAN, Peter of Leominster, formerly of Framingham, at the age of 66, of cancer. Peter grew up in Wellesley, graduated with a degree in journalism from Boston University, and received an MPA from the Kennedy School at Harvard. He was employed for many years as a reporter and researcher, switching to jobs in special education and health and human services later in his career. Peter was endowed with a passionate spirit, and a sharp and lively wit. He was an especially candid observer of personalities, and enjoyed regaling friends and family with impersonations of notable politicians, movie and sports stars. Truthfulness, honesty, and accountability were values he held dear, along with perseverance and commitment. Peter faced many challenges in his personal and professional life, but engaged them all with determination and will. As a teenager he was a leader in student government, the editor of his high school paper, and took class pictures for his senior yearbook. This was the beginning of a longtime interest in photography, at which he excelled. In the summer of 1973 he became intrigued by the media coverage of the Watergate scandal involving the Nixon Presidency, which led to a lifelong interest in the interplay between journalism and politics. One of the personal highlights of his career was spending a year as a research fellow at Boston University's McCormack Institute, where he wrote a comprehensive study on how the media influenced the results of the 1992 U.S. presidential campaign. Some of the venues where he honed his writing skills were the BU Free Press, Martha's Vineyard Gazette, Lowell Sun, Boston Phoenix, and North Shore Sunday. He also, at different times, worked for British journalist David Frost, environmentalist Ralph Nader, New York Governor Mario Cuomo, and Democratic Senator George McGovern. Peter spent much time unwinding at his family's vacation home on Bass Rocks in Gloucester, where the beautiful ocean vistas and nearby Good Harbor Beach gave him much joy and solace. Peter was a loving and devoted father of Rosie, his daughter with special needs. He delighted in and supported Rosie's progress and achievements, and they shared a joyful pleasure in each other's company. He is survived by Rosie Ajemian; his former wife Fran Basche of Ashland; brother Robert; half-brothers David and Andrew, and their mother Elizabeth Ajemian. Peter was predeceased by his mother Ruth (MacCrellish) Ajemian; father Robert; and sister Katherine. The family plans a tribute to his life. Donations in Peter's memory may be made to: Nashoba Learning Group, 10 Oak Park Drive, Bedford, MA 01730.

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