Korean War vet Carnig Ajamian

Carnig Ajamian

Maj. Carnig Ajamian was well-loved by his good friends and family.

He was born Feb. 8, 1927, in Washington Heights, and passed away Feb. 12, 2021, in Riverdale, where he lived for more than 60 years. There he maintained his family’s private home that held warm memories of his Armenian parents — Carnig Sr., and Azniv Ajamian — and his brother Armen, who have all preceded him in death.

He served in the U.S. Army between 1945 and 1946, performing occupation duties in Germany. When he left the service, he attended the University of Mississippi under the GI Bill, receiving his degree in business administration.

He re-entered the service in 1952 as a second lieutenant, serving in the Korean War and receiving his combat infantry badge. He was then transferred to Japan, where he served another two years.

He left active military service in 1955, eventually joining the U.S. Army Reserve. He served there for 20 years, attaining the rank of major. He also was a colonel in the New York Guard.

After his retirement from the Reserve, he maintained close ties to the U.S. Army, being a captain in the Old Guard of the City of New York. He enjoyed veterans events immensely, and with pride. He was a true soldier.

He loved to entertain his friends, often generously treating them to dinners, concerts and theatre — even cruises. He liked being out on the water, and was an avid skier.

He relished life, loved to laugh and have a good time, and enjoyed a glass of vodka. He loved to travel widely, and did.

He had a kind and benevolent heart, and will be much missed by his family. His cousins Florence Ajamian and Alan Nalbandian and his family, and by his many longtime friends like Rose Alyanakian, Peter Anthony, Glenn Encababian, Marvin Goldsmith, Tina Hazarian, Bridget Lynch, Arlette Remy, James and Bernadette Rynne, and many others.

Donations may be made in Carnig Ajamian’s memory to Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church, 580 W. 187th St., New York, N.Y., 10033.