George J. Avadanian

George John "Abba"? Avadanian, born June 13, 1921 of Lynn, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family. The husband of the late Lillian Frances Avadanian, they shared 69 years of marriage. Abba was the son of the late Harry and Sophie Avadanian. He spent his 98+ years proudly as a son, brother, and as a devoted husband, father, father-in-law, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, coach, boss and friend. Abba, was a standout athlete at Lynn English High School back in the 1939/1940 days, most notably on the football and baseball fields. He was a standout in his own personal life as well. He had a work ethic unmatched -- beginning with selling newspapers in Central Square as a youngster. His backyard was the Meadow as was many of his pals and where he played ball -- exceptionally -- as a Bulldog -- where he was deservingly recognized in the year 2000 and nominated by former Mayor Patrick J. McManus and inducted into the LEHS Hall of Fame -- for the recognition he brought to the school as a star football player. He and his pals lived at and on the Meadow every afternoon and evening until it was too dark to toss a ball around. It was said "He could throw the ball the length of a football field!"? That special notoriety was highlighted even further this past summer, when his picture was unveiled on a mural that is permanently displayed at Manning Field. He was so honored and appreciative to be recognized by the City and when first visiting the Mural, he was in awe. Especially to see many of his late brothers in law and East and West Lynn friends depicted alongside with him. Back in the day, he and his LEHS pals played ball during the off season for the Scarlett Rockets Football Team. He was also involved in the Parks Department Boxing Team. Yet, his former LEHS coach, Tom Whelan, his mentor and inspiration, provided him with the equipment he could never afford. Under Coach Whelan, he was a first string varsity starter in football. He headlined the sports page of the Lynn Item daily as his stats and record breaking accomplishments were recorded. He was also the varsity catcher for the LEHS baseball team and auditioned for the Detroit Tigers and was subsequently drafted. However, he passed it by. He played semi pro football and again, passed on those once in a lifetime sport opportunities, as he made the decision to enter the service as his priority. He entered the United States Navy in 1942, assigned to the USS Edwards (destroyer) and then to the Herbert C. Jones in the South Pacific. He was honorably discharged in 1945 from the Fargo Building and was decorated with five battle stars. Abba's concerns for his parents' well-being, governed his motivation to work first, putting his own sports opportunities second. He married Lillian Frances Buckley, from West Lynn. As the husband and father of three, he worked many jobs: Cushman's Bakery, his own rug cleaning business, Cefalo & Kiley, and Fletcher Construction, before his decision to join Lynn Laborer's Local 290, where he was a construction foreman until his retirement in 1988 and his relocation to Salisbury Beach until 2017. He was active in the Lynn sports community serving as a baseball coach with the East Lynn Little League and Babe Ruth. Of the original 13 "Meadowlarks"?, Abba is one of the last two survivors. He was a loyal Bulldog, believer of his country, he always instilled, "never, ever, forget where you came from"? and for him, that was the Meadow, where he grew up and created his lifetime of memories. ABBA was #1 -- was a man of great strength, character and integrity and will be incredibly missed. He loved to have fun, traveling to Las Vegas and to Foxwoods, enjoyed the patronage at both the Red Fox and Ralph's Cafe, the 50 Club and Italian Clubs, the Clover Club, and Armenian Picnics and always, a good ball game! He loved to cook real Armenian food, enjoyed dancing in the Club to the "Summer Wind"? and "Rambling Rose"? and was known for his CC, Crown Royal or a Shot and a Beer! He leaves his two daughters, Francie Sudak of Beverly and Claire Cavanagh of Lynn and his late son and hero, Michael "Abba"? Avadanian. He also leaves his special loving grandchildren: Michael, Matthew, and John McSharry, Megan and Sheila Sudak and Casey and Lorigan Sudak and great-grandchildren: Lily, O'Neil and Bennett. He leaves his sister-in-law, Ellen and the late Bob Avadanian and families. He had many special Lynn and Salisbury friendships: John Corso, Hank Marani, Leo Connaghan, Don Harkness, Kevin Trainer, Eddie Keaney, Clayton (Rocky) Rocker, Buddy Mulcahy, Jimmy Stein, Jimmy Breen, and his devoted friend Frank Donahue and relished in their travels to Casinos, and in his constant visits and calls from Tony Gambale, Vardy Mekalian, Walter Proodian, Buzzy Barton and Wendy Atwood and family. He was also brother in law to the late Ruth and Roger Heaslip, Eleanor and Ed Geratowski, Claire and Jim O'Shea, William and Marilyn Buckley, Charles and Joan Fox, his late former son-in-law, Michael Sudak and many special nieces and nephews. His family recognizes the exemplary care provided to him by Merrimack Valley Home Care, Partners Home Health Care, Care Dimensions (Hospice) , Katie Swenbeck and Karen Tompkins, GLSS, and in particular, Partners Physical Therapist, Laura Bloom whom he adored and VNA Marie Bacherman, Penntucket Medical, Offices of Dr. Hans Jeppesen, and Dr. Shah; his caregivers Eugenia and Ann,. Special thanks to The Pasquarelli's, Judy and Bob Kertin, Carmel O'Brien, and the Salisbury Beach "Crew"? who welcomed him into their circle and the Arslanian Girls for always remembering him upon his return back to Lynn with calls, cards, visits and encouragement, and to his very special neighbor and pal Javian and the Byrd Family. Service Information: Abba's visiting hours will be held at the Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, 157 Maple Street, Lynn on Friday, January 31, 2020 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. His funeral service will follow at 11:30 AM. Interment will be private. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923, or www.caredimensions.org.