Leon T. Petrossian

Leon T. Petrossian

Leon T. Petrossian, retired independent businessman and Charlottesville resident since 1983, died in the arms of his family on Sunday, February 7, 2010, from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He was 72.

Leon is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Louise Morris Petrossian, formerly of Decatur, Alabama; a daughter, Elaine of Philadelphia; a son, Leon, and a grandson, Nicholas, both of Charlottesville. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Kelye Petrossian and son-in-law, Ted Rauch; a sister-in-law, Barbara Morris Evans and her husband, Jesse Price "Shep" Evans Jr. of Elkmont, Alabama; and brothers-in-law, Joe Morris and his wife, Delores, and Charles M. Morris and his wife, Marja, of Decatur, Alabama.

Raised in a seaside town in Iran with his brothers, Rafik and Ruben, who preceded him in death, Leon came to Washington, D.C., in the late 1950's to attend college and to escape the Shah's repressive regime. As a student, Leon began his career in hospitality and nightclubs, working at storied D.C. locations, like The Shoreham Hotel's Blue Room, the Hayloft, the Silver Dollar, and the M Club in Georgetown.

Leon moved to Charlottesville in 1983, when he purchased The Mineshaft, a significant live music venue in Charlottesville and the mid-Atlantic. Leon was a loyal and encouraging mentor to many emerging musical artists. After the Mineshaft closed, Leon became a taxi driver and eventually built AAA-Rainbow Taxi, which, at its peak, was the second largest cab company in town. In retirement, Leon enjoyed cooking his favorite native Armenian dishes, being with his grandson, watching western movies, following sports, and debating politics with anyone who dared engage him in the subject. Friends describe him as a good, fair man and a colorful "one of a kind" character.

There will be a Contemporary Praise Service 1 p.m. Saturday, February 13, 2010, at Meadows Presbyterian Church, 2200 Angus Road, Charlottesville.

The family welcomes remembrances and wishes, care of Teague Funeral Home, 2260 Ivy Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Charlottesville Meals on Wheels, 2270 Ivy Road, Charlottesville VA 22903.

Friends may sign the guest register at teaguefuneralhome.com.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.