Harry A. Atamian

Harry N. Atamian, age 93, a long-time resident of Wilmington, MA, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2024. 

Harry was born in Somerville, MA, on September 14, 1930; he was the cherished son of the late Helen M. (Bodemer) Atamian and Harry A. Atamian.  Harry was raised and educated in Billerica for several years before moving to Cambridge, MA, where he graduated from Cambridge Ringe and Latin High School with the Class of 1947. 

Harry enlisted in the United States Navy in August of 1948, after serving the country, he was honorably discharged on August 8, 1952, and returned home to his family. 

Harry went on to continue his education at Northeastern University, where he earned his associate degree in Mechanical Design.  Harry took a position as a mechanical designer where he worked for many years at AVCO Defense Systems (Textron) in Wilmington, MA, Everett, MA, and Haverhill, MA.

Harry married the “love of his life” Charlotte Johnson on August 23, 1958; the couple moved to Wilmington in 1959 where they raised three wonderful children.  Harry was a very devoted husband and father; and was always there to support and encourage his family to do their best.  Harry and Charlotte loved to travel; some of their more memorable trips were to Hawaii and Scotland, where they had a fantastic time (and Harry sampled many fine single-malt scotches!). 

Upon moving to Wilmington, Harry and Charlotte became active members of the Wilmington Congregational Church, where the family sang in the church choir and Harry served as a Deacon for many years.  In later years, Harry and Charlotte became parishioners of the Union Congregational Church in North Reading, where Harry was instrumental in forming a bell choir.  They enjoyed attending services, helping with church fundraisers, and socializing with friends. 

Harry was also an active Mason in Friendship Lodge in Wilmington and served as Master twice, once in 1975, and again in 1979.  Harry served as Lodge Ritualist for many years. 

Harry was also a Shriner with the Aleppo Temple in Wilmington.  For years, he enjoyed driving children and their families to the Shriner’s Hospitals in Boston and out to Springfield for various appointments.  He finished his duties with the Shrine as a Major in the Provost Guard. 

Even in his retirement, Harry could not sit still; he was often out and about in Wilmington and surrounding towns delivering flowers for Designs By Don Florist in Wilmington.  Harry loved going to people’s houses and bringing joy with flowers and gift baskets.

Harry was the beloved husband of the late Charlotte Atamian, devoted father of Gary Atamian and his wife Cathy of Derry, NH, Sharon Atamian of Salem, NH, and Charles Atamian of Derry, NH.  He was the dear brother of the late Esther and Shirley.  Harry is also survived by his nieces, nephews, and friends. 

Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Wednesday, April 10th from 4:00-7:00 p.m., with a Masonic service starting at 6 p.m., which everyone is invited to attend.

A Service to Celebrate Harry’s life will take place on Saturday, April 13th at 10:00 a.m. in the Union Congregational Church, 148 Haverhill St., North Reading, MA. 

The family would like to thank the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH for the wonderful care and support given to Harry and his family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Harry’s memory may be made to the Shriners Hospitals at lovetotherescue.org. 

To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.