CARY, NC: Stephen Howard Asrican passed away at his home in Cary, NC on January 19, 2022, three months after the death of his wife, Betsey Boardman Asrican. He was born July 11, 1941 in Los Angeles, CA to Phill Asrican and Ruth Uslan Asrican. He graduated from Downey High School (class of 1960) and University of Southern California (1965), received his Master’s degree in Educational Psychology from University of California – Hayward (1968), and obtained his Ed.D from Western Colorado University (1973).
Steve’s career centered around several meaningful aspects of his own life. In response to his own learning disabilities, he began his career in Livermore, CA as a school psychologist with an emphasis on special education and autism. He later directed the Kent Educational Center in Grand Rapids, MI, deploying a program for emotionally disturbed students. In Westfield, MA, he worked for 16+ years as a clinical psychologist and co-director of Westfield Psychological Associates. He maintained additional employment as a psychophysiologist and program director of the Pain Clinic at Noble Hospital and at the Noble Hospital Sports and Rehabilitation Center. Finally, he worked at Northampton Wellness Associates in Northampton, MA, supporting patients with chronic pain.
His own progressive medical challenges forced him to retire early, and he spent his remaining years in the warmer climate of North Carolina. Steve was known for his deep, resonant voice, his wit and humor, and his strong work ethic. He had an enormous capacity and compassion for people in difficult life situations, and maintained a great respect for education and intellect. He took pride in planning and maintaining his homes, which featured his well-curated antique collection and thoughtful landscape designs. Art, history, music and books were all central to his everyday life and allowed him to find peace despite his ongoing physical and emotional pain.
The enormous love and affection he held for his family was evident and a beautiful testament to his character. He was particularly devoted to his loving wife of 48 years, Betsey, and their children Brent Asrican, Kirsten Amaral (George), and Jessica Gentilli (Nicholas). He is survived by sisters Cathy Feldman (Joel), Deborah Bailey (Michael), and Erica Matz; two daughters, Michelle and Jennifer, from a previous marriage; and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers and in honor of his lifelong devotion to his wife, donations can be made to Betsey’s scholarship fund at the CSF Westfield Dollars for Scholars Program:
Online in memory of Betsey Asrican: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/csf-westfield-dollars-for-scholars-inc
By check payable to: CSF Westfield Dollars for Scholars, PO Box 382, Westfield, MA 01086
