Harry Vartigian, 60, died suddenly on January 13, 2006, at his residence with his life partner of 35 years, Rosemary Wieczorek, by his side.  Born in Troy, he was the son of the late Richard and Zabel Vartigian.  He served in the National Guard from 1964 to 1970.  He graduated from Syracuse University and earned a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Iowa.  In 1976, he moved to Wisconsin, where he was employed as an education specialist for the U.S. Army.  He was a former communicant of St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church in Watervliet.

In addition to Rosemary, he is survived by three brothers, Leo (Gladys) Vartigian of Troy, Joseph (Lois) Vartigian of Poestenkill, and Paul (Gail) Vartigian of Cohoes; two sisters, Sarah Gaudette of Waterford and Mary Elliot (Raymond) of Latham.  He was predeceased by a brother, George Vartigian, and a brother-in-law, Wayne Gaudette.

Funeral services were held at the Philip J. Brendese Funeral Home in Waterford and at St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church in Watervliet.  Interment was in Elmwood Hill Cemetery in Troy.