Alvin "Doc" Barakian

W. BOYLSTON – Alvin “Doc” Barakian, 88, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the Lutheran Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center in Worcester, after a long battle with dementia.

Alvin was born on December 30, 1936, in Worcester, the son of the late Haig G. and Aimee W. Barakian. He moved to West Boylston at the age of four and remained a lifelong resident. He attended local schools and graduated from West Boylston High School. He went on to earn an associate’s degree in Animal Husbandry from UMass Amherst Agricultural College.

In 1963, he married the love of his life, Nancy Almstrom, and together they built a beautiful life raising their four children, R. Scott, Steven, Mark, and Susan. Alvin served proudly in the National Guard from 1956 until 1964. He was a longtime member of the Boylston Lodge of Masons and the Aleppo Shriners.

For 37 years, Alvin worked at the West Boylston Municipal Light Department, retiring in 1993 at the age of 58. Retirement allowed him and Nancy to travel extensively, both throughout Europe and across the United States. He especially loved winter escapes to Florida and summer trips to Wells, Maine, where he enjoyed the beach—though never the cold water. At home, Alvin could often be found working outdoors, tending to his garden, and keeping his lawn immaculately manicured.

A dedicated member of his community, Alvin served with the West Boylston Fire Department from 1958 to 2002, retiring with the rank of Deputy Chief. He was part of the Muster Team for 20 years. Above all, Alvin was devoted to his family. His grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he never let them forget his favorite words of advice: “Be good.” He also had a wellknown love of chocolate.

He is predeceased by his parents and his brother, Richard Wood Barakian. Alvin is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nancy (Almstrom) Barakian; his children, R. Scott Barakian and his wife Amy Mortenson of West Boylston, Steven Barakian of Boylston, Mark Barakian and his wife Sandy Falcone of West Boylston, and Susan Barakian of Princeton. He also leaves his beloved grandchildren: Daniel Barakian and his partner Kayla Lambert of Barre, Matthew Barakian and his wife Natasha Paltek of West Boylston, Sarah Barakian of Bristol, RI, Lauren Barakian Ross and husband Connor of Plainville, Andrew Barakian and his partner Morgan Brownsword of Northboro, Samantha Barakian of West Boylston, Nicole Barakian of Allston, Becky Matthews and her partner Nic Romano of Greenville NH, and Lea Matthews of Princeton; along with his great-grandchildren Daisy, Mila, and Makenzie.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Miles-Sterling Funeral & Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Mt. Vernon Cemetery, West Boylston.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Lutheran Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center—especially those on the second floor—for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Alvin’s name to the West Boylston Historical Society, P.O. Box 201, 65 West Boylston Street, West Boylston, MA or to the Lutheran Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Activities Fund, c/o Noreen Shea, 26 Harvard Street Worcester, MA 01909.