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Archie Avedisian Obituary


Archie Avedisian  
On February 21, 2020, Archie Harry Avedisian passed away surrounded by loved ones after nearly 92 years of life. For 48 years, Archie worked in various leadership roles at Boys & Girls Clubs in Jamestown, NY; Brooklyn, NY; East St. Louis, IL; San Francisco, CA; Santa Rosa, CA; Seattle, WA; and greater Washington, DC. He was central to racially integrating East St. Louis, advocated for clubs to serve girls in addition to boys, was responsible for the addition of "& Girls" to the name of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, and increased the operating budget of the Clubs of Greater Washington from $190,000 to $10.5 million growing it from four clubs to 35 clubs and branches during his tenure. Shortly after his retirement in 1998, Archie began working for the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association (WANADA) fundraising and recruiting for its auto technician training program, which provides free education and tools to aspiring auto technicians. At the time of his death, Archie was still employed at WANADA and had raised over $1.25 million, helping place over 500 men and women in jobs as auto technicians. Archie received numerous accolades and awards for his philanthropy. However, Archie would be the first to tell you that he attributes his success to the support of his wife, Gloria, to whom he was extremely devoted. Archie is survived by his daughter and her husband, Deb and Bill Whitelock, of Parkton, MD; his son and his wife, Tony and Chris Avedisian, of Woodbine, MD; and his grandchildren, Lindsey Avedisian, of Washington, DC, and Nick Avedisian, of Colorado Springs, CO. Friends and family may call on Thursday, February 27, 2020 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at DeVol Funeral Home, 10 E Deer Park Drive in Gaithersburg, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 28, 2020 at 11 a.m. at St. John Neumann Church, 9000 Warfield Road in Gaithersburg, MD followed by Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 13801 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring, MD. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Archie and Gloria Avedisian Scholarship Fund, 3173 Daisy Road, Woodbine, MD 21797. This charity was created over 20 years ago to honor Archie and his wife, Gloria, for their unwavering commitment to rehabilitating and educating underprivileged youth. Please sign the guest book at:www.DeVolFuneralHome.com  

Published by The Washington Post from Feb. 25 to Feb. 27, 2020.
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Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

My sincere condolences to Archie's family. I met Archie late in his life, but consider myself privileged to have known and worked with him, even if for just a short time. During the course of producing a documentary film on his life and work, I met many people who had known him for decades, and their measure of Archie was remarkably consistent: a man of integrity, passion, and service to others who was committed to better the lives of the less-privileged. It was both a pleasure and an honor to get to know Archie, not only through the various meetings and interactions we had, but through speaking to the people who have grown to love him through the years and who gave witness to the larger-than-life impact he had on the world around him. Though we will miss him dearly, his indomitable spirit remains with us. Rest in peace.

John Sullivan

Friend

March 4, 2020

My deepest sympathy to the family of Archie Avedisian. May you be comforted in knowing that our Heavenly Father cares for you. He will give you strength and courage to cope with your grief.
Psalm 94:17-19

N. S.

February 27, 2020

Sincerest condolences to Archie's family. May your fond memories of the beautiful life and legacy he left behind be a source of comfort to you all in this difficult moment. I had the most wonderful experience working with Archie at BGCGW. I will always remember him for his kindness, generosity, and love for our less fortunate BGCGW kids. So honored to have worked with such an outstanding person. Will greatly miss you Archie. You have treated me so well during all those times I worked with you. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.

Alma Gangcuangco

Coworker

February 26, 2020

Archie was, is and always will be close to our heart as the Godfather of my son Dezman. He was devoted and proud to stay involved in our life and for that we will remember and love him forever. So to all the family please know we are praying for you and will miss him alot. May God bless and keep you all. Love you much. Zelda, Dezman, Bernie Fields

Zelda Fields

Family

February 26, 2020

Archie you will be missed I will cherish my time with you.Charley

Charley Spiridopoulos

February 25, 2020

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Memorial Events
for Archie Avedisian

Feb

27

Calling hours

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

DeVol Funeral Home - Gaithersburg

10 East Deer Park Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Feb

27

Calling hours

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

DeVol Funeral Home - Gaithersburg

10 East Deer Park Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Feb

28

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 a.m.

St. John Neumann Church

9000 Warfield Road, Gaithersburg, MD

Funeral services provided by:

DeVol Funeral Home - Gaithersburg

10 East Deer Park Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20877

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