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Walter Basmajian, Democratic Party Leader, Dead At 90

Story Published: Feb 5, 2013 at 4:04 PM EDT

Story Updated: Feb 5, 2013 at 8:20 PM EDT

Walter Basmajian, a power in St. Lawrence County's Democratic politics for 50 years, died Monday night.

Basmajian, of Massena, was 90 years old.

His official obituary Tuesday notes Basmajian " knew the Kennedys, the Clintons, Eisenhower, Truman, Johnson, Humphrey and so many more politicians."

"The list goes on and on."

Basmajian suffered from Alzheimer's Disease, and according to his obituary it "started to get the best of him around January 2012."

Basmajain served on a long list of public and community boards.

"Walter was a Democrat before it was cool and he was always there to help," said June O'Neill, a longtime Democratic Party leader in St. Lawrence County and New York state.

"Walter Basmajian ruled his universe like the Titans ruled the universe. He took care of the county. He took care of the people and he made the Democratic Party a force in St. Lawrence County," said Mark Bellardini, chair of the county's Democratic Party.

He is survived by his son, David Basmajian of Massena and his daughter, Gina Haggett and her husband, also of Massena. 

(Read Walter Basmajian's complete obituary here.)
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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