John "Jay" Baronian, Jr

Jay Baronian died unexpectedly at his home on October 2, 2025 with his loving fiancée Jerene by his side.

Born in Lynn, Massachusetts on March 2, 1964, Jay was the first of two children welcomed by his late parents, John Baronian, Sr and Isabelle T. (Alexanian) Baronian, both of Lynn. He grew up in Lynn and had a wonderful childhood filled with love, family, friends, church, and music. He maintained those relationships throughout his life. Jay attended Lynn public schools and graduated from Lynn Vocational Tech in 1982. After graduation, Jay pursued a career in sales and was quite successful due to his never give up attitude. Professionally, no matter the company or product he represented, his customers knew they could depend on him for excellent service. Both in his personal and professional life, Jay always tried to do what he said he would do; feeling that his word was his brand, and he always took the high road whenever faced with a challenging situation. He was a proud, Armenian- American, self-made man. He was honest, loving, loyal and generous to a fault.
 

In addition to building a solid future professionally, Jay was dedicated to his love of his cultural music, performing, and cars. Having learned automotive repair and restoration from his late mentor Michael LeClaire, Jay began his lifelong hobby of buying, restoring, collecting and reselling both sports and classic muscle cars. Jay was a self-proclaimed "Car Guy" with a special affinity for Pontiac and Oldsmobiles. He spent hours in his garage working on his project cars, fixing or detailing a friend's car or researching the latest greatest restoration products and techniques. He really enjoyed his time spent on his love of cars calling it his therapy.
 

Jay learned to play the dumbeg at a very young age from his father John Baronian, Sr and his Uncle Gary Alexanian. He later added singing, the cocktail drum and the bongo to his performance repertoire. From his teenaged years and throughout his life, Jay had been a well-known talent in the local Armenian and Greek entertainment circles, performing at clubs, church functions, weddings, festivals and private parties. He would often credit his success to mentors like his father John, his uncle Gary, and the late great Freddy Elias as having helped him hone his craft. His beautiful vocals and wonderful dumbeg playing will be forever missed.
 

In his 20's Jay was into body building and power lifting competition. He also rode a Harley Davidson motorcycle for many years. He loved animals especially cats and his smile would light up any room he was in. Jay was kind, silly, compassionate, loved unconditionally and had the biggest heart when it came to his family and friends. He always lent his help to anyone in need and was genuine in all his actions. He was a true friend and a class act. He will be sorely missed by all who loved him.

Jay is survived by his sister Michelle Baronian-Petro of Haverhill, Ma, his fiancée Jerene Veilleux of Newton, NH, his Godmother aunt Mary DerBoghosian of Bradford, Ma, his aunt Cynthia Obuch, of Downer's Grove, Il and several cousins including Deena Moore and husband Chad of Kennebunk, ME with whom he was especially close since childhood.

A memorial service will be held at St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt Auburn St.,  Watertown, MA on Thursday, October 23, 2025. Calling hours are 5pm -7pm on Thursday at the church. A prayer and eulogy will be said at 6:30pm. A reception will immediately follow downstairs in Tarvezian Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472.

Arrangements are by the Goundrey Dewhirst Funeral Home, 42 Main St., Salem, NH. To leave an online condolence, please visit Jay’s tribute page at www.goundreydewhirstfuneral.com. 

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