Michael G. Avadanian

LYNN -- Michael George Avadanian "Abba"? of Lynn and Salisbury Beach, was peacefully laid to rest on Oct. 21, 2016. Private services were held for the family. Michael, the devoted son of George (Abba) and Frances Avadanian of Lynn and Salisbury Beach, was born, raised and lived in Lynn until his relocation to Salisbury in 2001 to take care of his parents. He is survived by his two sisters Francie Sudak of Beverly, Claire and Mark Cavanagh of Lynn; nephews: Michael McSharry, Matthew McSharry (his favorite See-Food Partner and All-Weather Assistant) and his special Godson, John McSharry of Lynn, Casey, Lorigan, Lily and O'Neal Sudak of Beverly and niece Megan Sudak of Beverly. To his nephews, he wasn't just Uncle Mike, he was "King Mike."? He was the nephew of the late Ed and Eleanor Geratowski, the late Roger and Ruth Heaslip, the late William and Marilyn Buckley, the late Charles and Joan Fox, Claire and the late James O'Shea and Ellen and the late Robert Avadanian, as well as many cousins, sharing special friendships and memories, in particular, with the late Steve Geratowski, Neil Buckley, Jimmy Dee, Bruce, Dave A., Smitty, Freddie, Kenny, Arthur and Joe C. Michael, (nicknamed Abba after his father) was all about family, friends, sports, travel and entertainment and the beach. He attended Ingalls, Eastern Jr. High and LEHS in 1967 playing on the JV and Varsity Football, Baseball and Track teams. Following graduation, he attended NSCC (Beverly) and Northeastern University . He always joked that one goal at home, growing up, was to see whose report card would spell out the letters A-B-B-A and four times a year, predictably, Francie and Claire always came through, while his grades spelled other letters of the alphabet! Michael worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at the Salisbury State Beach Reservation for six years during high school and college, where he enjoyed another family of special friendships. His crew had lots of fun taking care of the beach they loved. They especially liked the Sunday shifts when they would stop by our house for a quick lunch, which was more like an Armenian feast! Shish kabob and pilaf were his favorites. As a member of Lynn Laborer's Local 290 , he also served on the Executive Board and was Sargent of Arms before his early retirement, brought about from a work injury. Like his dad, Michael had a strong work ethic and was proud to be a part, working side by side his dad, on the construction of Union Hospital , the Lynn Water and Sewer Treatment Plant , the Vamp Building and local police and fire stations. He also served as a Consultant for the Gallant (DG5) and Keaney Corporation. Growing up, Michael spent summers in Salisbury, developing his early love for the beach. He had the good fortune of Lynn and Nahant beaches being close by as well and Salisbury and Hampton beaches, where he spent his childhood summers and adult life, enjoying the ocean, like his mom as she, too, loved the beach. He played baseball for the Cardinals in the East Lynn Little League , and often talked about those days at Fraser Field and his team-mates, especially when they won the Little League Championship against the Central Cubs. One of those Cubs became a great, lifetime friend. Another happy time was when his P.A.L. Team, the "Lakers"? won the season championship. He always recalled one particular player who boasted, just before the Awards Banquet, that "One way or another, I am taking home that MVP trophy"? and he did. Michael never forgot that prediction or the player! Another lifetime friend! When we moved to the Highlands, Michael was happy. He met a lot of new families. Beacon Hill, Bay View and Allen Avenues were always filled with kids his own age. We were surrounded, front and back, side to side, with neighbors and families bursting with kids and it always seemed like they all had brothers -- and they all played ball! Some of those new kids became his closest friends forever. Ironically, our closest, next door neighbor became one of his best friends then -- 40 years ago, and has remained to be one of his best friends today, in spite of Michael's moving out of Lynn to Salisbury. That same friend now lives only three miles away. Playing for the Lynn Park Department's basketball and softball leagues for over 20 years, he made ever-lasting friendships. He always felt he had stand-out sponsors over the years including Army's 50 Club, Rocky's, Cronin's, Honcho's and Luongo's Grill. He enjoyed Tony's, knowing there was always a nice group of guys down there and they all loved talking sports. A member of the Franco-American Post, he enjoyed sharing good times, fun and laughs with the Anvets membership. Back in the 70's, when girls were first allowed to play softball in the Park League, Michael was recruited by his sisters as the manager/head coach to the Sunday Post Swingers. "I knew it was gonna be a long season, when the opposing team was putting on their spikes, and applying pine tar to their bats. All my girls' were interested in applying was makeup and hairspray!"? "? Surprisingly, we did make the playoffs!"? Mike enjoyed his many trips to New York City with family and friends and he loved Yankee Stadium (the old and the new). He had wonderful memories of World Series games, playoffs, Old Timers Day and Retirement Ceremonies -- he would always be there -- no matter what day of the week, or what hour of the day. He was a true Yank. He also enjoyed the annual guy bus trips to Montreal, year after year, with the Lynn guys, having a lot of fun. Yet, nothing ever compared to his love for Las Vegas where he traveled for 41-plus years, from his first trip in 1971 to his last in 2014. During our first trip, heading into the Las Vegas Hilton, he told me "Claire, always play black"?, but I thought he said "always wear black"?. We recaptured that Vegas thrill together and separately for the following 40 years. On his trips, he could always be found at Caesar's Palace , whether it was at the sports book, the pool, the casino or the Colosseum. One of his best friends traveled with him during those early Vegas days as well as accompanying him on his final trip in 2014. He loved attending the headliner shows and concerts, and especially the championship boxing fights where he met and captured many celebrities on film. His Bo Derek candid photo is still ranked as a 10-1/2! Michael promoted many trips, brought many friends to Vegas for their first time and got them hooked. He established great friendships in the entertainment industry and had close associations with Las Vegas employees, working for some of the most popular Vegas hotels, on and off the strip. Michael treasured his relationships with his Nahant circle of friends, and his extended family, the Tides' family. The 40-plus year relationship developed early on with the Bongiono's straight through to the present owner, Mike O'Callaghan, for whom he held a great respect and for the loyal Tides' staff and customers. He enjoyed life both inside and outside of the Tides and loved sitting on that beach. He looked forward to those Saturday visits to Lynn. He had many memories and photos of the many cookouts, barbecues, and special 4th of July celebrations. A special thanks to Peter Dawson of Nahant, Rocky DiFillippo of Lynn and the late Tom (Buzzy) Diamond of Lynn for being so good to him and his friends for so many years. He especially enjoyed Karaoke nights, always-encouraging his friends to get up and sing and to do their impersonations "?and they did! The "Fearless Five"? and their rendition of "Suspicious Minds,"? "Delilah,"? "Cracklin' Rose,"? "Green, Green Grass of Home"? and what else, but "New York, New York,"? was a favorite only to be matched by the impersonation of Cary Grant's "Judy, Judy, Judy."? His typical Saturday would play out by an early morning visit with friends to catch up on the week's events before heading over to the Tides . Depending on the time of year, the crew would congregate inside, attempting to grab their favorite seat or stools, and ultimately taking over a certain section, making it more comfortable, like a "den"?. That atmosphere fit like a "T"?. One by one, they would always make room for whoever wanted to join in and have some fun. He would always sit next to a good "buddy"?, two ex-Marines, who provided security when necessary, followed always by someone's brother or "sis,"? his good friend from Methuen and his two good friends from Melrose. Other summertime visitors dropped in direct from Florida, Las Vegas and Pennsylvania, not forgetting his Super Bowl partner, who he shared a lot of laughs and winners! On Saturdays, he could always count on the girls having their nails polished up and their jewelry sparkling, and one friend would always eat his Frito's; another friend from Ohio and her heavy metal friends would stop by, yet, when one very special girl would always have that "special smile"? as she first came in the Tides' door, he knew it was going to be a "great day."? All in all, Saturday was his best day of the week -- Then, some of the crew would enjoy a Bailey's or two (with some basil) and then everyone would be "rosey."? Mike had lots of friends from A to Z. From Mrs. Gladys A. and her family from the Highlands to John Z. (#728). One of his favorite sayings was "I'm here for a good time -- not for a long time"?. For we know he was not with us long enough. For all of his true friends who have called, sent cards, and who simply respected his request for privacy, please know that he appreciated your loyalty and support, he knew he could count on you. You were all there for him when he needed you. And despite his wide circle of friends, Michael chose to be very private. Michael silently handled his illness, he silently handled his treatments, and he silently handled his farewell. We love him, as you all did, and say "thank you"? for making him so happy. Special thanks to Dr. Claire Fung and Staff from the Newburyport Cancer Center and to the Care Dimensions Hospice Team for the incredible, A-plus care they provided to him this past year, in particular Leslie T. and Deb T. for their love and devotion and support for our Michael. Per Michael, he has requested that in lieu of any expressions of sympathy, he would simply like you to remember him when the hot sun is shining and you are sitting on a chaise lounge at the beach trying to get that golden tan... just smile up at him and wave, for Michael was surely our Golden Boy! Service information: THE TWOMEY, LEBLANC, & CONTE Funeral Home, 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950, assisted Michael's family with his funeral arrangements.