Varujan "John" Ayvazyan

72, of Cranston passed away peacefully at home on March 31, 2025, with his loving family by his side. He was the devoted husband of Candace (Bozigian) for 42 years. Born on May 7, 1952, in Istanbul, Turkey, he was the son of the late Agop and Hermine (Oztursucuyan) Ayvazyan.

Varujan’s introduction to the jewelry business came at a young age from his father, who owned a jewelry store in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. After attending trade school, he became a master diamond setter.

In 1971, at the age of 19, Varujan emigrated to the United States, embodying the spirit of the American Dream. In 1978, he opened Fifth Avenue Jewelers in Cranston, alongside his father and later his son Joshua. Over the next 47 years, the business flourished and continues to today. Varujan became well-known for his expertise, and dedication.

Varujan had a kind soul and a smile that could warm your heart, always ready to help his family and friends. He was a man of deep faith, he served on the Parish Council at Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church.

Always the life of the party, he had a larger than life personality and was truly one of a kind. He loved people, and people loved him. He had a passion for food and the finer things life has to offer, but there was nothing he cherished more than his family.

If there is one thing he taught us all, it was to enjoy life. He worked hard to provide an exceptional life for his children. He loved spending time with his family whether it was at Bonnet Shores or on vacations. His greatest joy was becoming a grandfather to 8 grandchildren, who stole his heart and were the center of his world. Not a day went by that he didn’t see his grandkids, always ready with a delicious meal or a special treat. The joy he brought to them and they brought to him was true love.

In addition to his loving wife Candace, he is survived by his loving children, John, Christopher, Joshua and his wife Jessica, Ashley and her husband Erik and the absolute loves of his life, his grandchildren, Chloe, Kiara, Anya, Talin, Dmitri, Valentina, Avedis, Victoria and Santino.

He also leaves behind his brother who was his best friend that he loved and cherished Dr. Herman Ayvazyan and his wife Silva, a brother-in-law H. Kirk Bozigian and his wife Terri, along with four nieces and two nephews and their families. He also is survived by his father-in-law George Bozigian.

His Funeral Service to which relatives and friends are invited, will be held on Tuesday, April 8th at 11 a.m. at Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Church, followed by burial at Swan Point Cemetery, Providence. VISITING HOURS are Monday, April 7th at the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Church, 70 Jefferson St., Providence, RI 02908.