Jack Sarmanian first arrived in Edgecomb in 1965 accompanying his wife Sandy to her family camp on the Mockowando Trail. In 1974, the couple bought their own summer place on Cross Point Road and became full-time residents in 1998 after buying a Shore Point Road home. Over the past quarter century, Sarmanian served on various municipal boards and committees including the past 13 years as selectman. But his service came to a close at the conclusion of the Oct. 5 board meeting.

Sarmanian, 84, submitted his resignation. He was elected to his fifth term in August, but his age and health condition all factored into a decision to sell the home. The Sarmanians sold their home this month and are moving to York. “Thirteen years is a long time. I’ve enjoyed my time working on behalf of the citizens of Edgecomb, but I think now is the right time to resign,” Sarmanian said.

Before moving to Edgecomb as a year round resident, Sarmanian spent 28 years in Massachusetts and New York counseling youth and families involved with drug addiction and domestic violence issues. The Sarmanians’ move to York was precipitated by wanting be closer to their daughter who lives in Massachusetts and their circle of longtime friends in the Boston area. 

Prior to winning a selectman’s seat, Sarmanian was the chairman of two prominent municipal committees: Budget and Fire Station Search. In 1996, Edgecomb was looking to replace its 57-year-old fire station. Current Selectman Mike Smith was also a committee member. He remembers Sarmanian “walking the land” for 13 years before finding a suitable location. “That showed your determination and persistence in working for the town. Your dedication has benefitted the town time and again,” Smith said.

In 1999, Sarmanian joined the budget committee. Eventually, he became chairman. In 2007, he won his first term as a selectman. Sarmanian ran unopposed each time. “It seemed like a natural progression having worked on the budget for eight years,” Sarmanian said. “It’s been a wonderful experience especially working with so many talented and dedicated town volunteers. Especially with this select board, you don’t find Mikes (Smith) and Teds (Hugger) every day.”

As a selectman, he has served for years as chairman. Commissioners appointed him to serve on the county budget committee and he worked as town liaison with the Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission. Mary Ellen Barnes is the LCRPC executive director. She praised Sarmanian during his final select board meeting. She said he provided smart conversations and detailed work. “I first met him in 2009, and all I saw was a dedicated, persistent, thorough fellow representing the taxpayers.You’ve been an inspiration to me how hard you work, and for all you’ve done,” she said.

Sarmanian grew up in in Watertown, Massachusetts. He received psychology and master’s degrees from Boston University and Simmons College and a Certificate in Advanced Graduate Studies from the University of Massachusetts. Sarmanian has four degrees in psychology and social work.

In 2010, at an age when most people are looking for less to do, Sarmanian found more. At 64, Sarmanian became an American Red Cross volunteer as a disaster mental health counselor. He specialized in helping victims deal with pain and depression associated with a tragedy.

He assisted tornado victims in Minnesota and Oklahama, flood victims in West Virginia and campus shooting victims in Oregon. Like most Red Cross volunteers, he arrived at the scene within 24 hours. Sarmanian became a Red Cross volunteer through his involvement with the local chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. The American Red Cross needed licensed social workers to counsel victims experiencing life crises and hardship from natural disasters.

“They heard me speak and asked if I would become a volunteer,” he said. “I took some of their classes which prepared me for going on deployments counseling those experiencing grief and depression following a natural disaster.”

In a three-year period, he was deployed four times for 10-day periods counseling natural disaster victims. His last deployment was in June 2016 to West Virginia. 

Four years ago, Edgecomb had a vacant selectman’s seat. Sarmanian recruited William “Ted” Hugger, who had recently moved to town from Cape Elizabeth. Hugger and his wife Jill had bought Cod Cove Inn. Ted Hugger’s attendance at several municipal board meetings caught Sarmanian’s attention. “I attended a board meeting as a spectator and made eye contact with Jack. He talked to me about running for selectman by telling me how important it was to the community,” Hugger said. 

Hugger recalled learning a great deal from Sarmanian while they served together. “Jack is a true gentleman. He knows small town politics and it’s been a real pleasure serving with him. We are going to miss him.”

Sarmanian’s term has over two years left. Smith and Hugger will likely call for a special town meeting in December to elect Sarmanian’s successor.