Antranig "Anto" Avakian

93, of Cranston, RI and formerly of New Bedford, MA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 8 2026 at Hope Health Hospice in Providence. Born in Providence, he was the devoted son of the late Bobig and Varvar (Simonian) Avakian.

Anto was a special education teacher and later became department head for the New Bedford school system. He graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School, Franklin Institute and received his master’s from RI College. Anto was a Sgt. in the U.S. Army during the Korean War with the 180th Infantry Regiment and 45th Infantry Division and was a recipient of the Combat Infantry Badge.

His funeral Service to which relatives and friends are invited, will be held on Thursday, January 15th at 11 a.m. in Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church, Providence, followed by burial with military honors at North Burial Ground, Providence. VISITING HOURS are Thursday morning from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. prior to funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Sts. Vartanantz Church, 402 Broadway, Providence, RI 02909. Visit Nardolillofh.com for online condolences.