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The former journalist of the Voice of America, Astrit Lulushi, has passed away

The former journalist of the Voice of America, Astrit Lulushi, has passed away

Astrit Lulushi, former journalist and well-known producer of the Voice of America in Albanian, passed away on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at the age of 70 in Woodbridge, Virginia.

Astrit's journey to America was proof of the desire and courage to escape communism and dictatorship in Albania, towards freedom and a better life. In 1985, Astriti escaped from Albania and came to America, where he started a new life and later brought his family.

A year later, Astriti began a remarkable 30-year career at the Voice of America. His voice, figure and words became known and loved by listeners and viewers over the years on topics ranging from medicine and science, the Albanian diaspora in America and history.

His behind-the-scenes role was equally important as the main producer of the TV show Ditari.
"I leave fulfilled and honored to have served you, you wonderful listeners and viewers of VOA programs," he said when he retired from VOA in July 2019.

Astriti was awarded the "Career Award".

Astriti had a rich creative life, as the author of 17 books, numerous writings, poems and reflections.

Colleagues, former colleagues and friends remember Astrit as a man of few words, many passions, dedication, curiosity and depth of thought.

"He was known by his relatives as a man of few words, but with the mind of a philosopher and the soul of a poet. A man of another time, a quiet intellectual who never stopped writing", says the announcement prepared by the family about his death.

He leaves behind his wife, daughter and her family, his brothers and sister. His son passed away a few years ago.

We, his former VOA colleagues, will feel his loss.

The last respects in honor of Astrit will be held on Tuesday, September 10, while the funeral will be held on September 11./VOA

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