Gerard "Jerry" PARSEGHIAN

PARSEGHIAN Gerard "Jerry" Gerard "Jerry" A. Parseghian was born March 29, 1921 to immigrant parents, mother from France and father from Armenia. He grew up speaking French and participating in Armenian cultural activities. He graduated from Akron South High School and the University of Akron. In 1943 he married the love of his life, Margaret "Maggie" Saus. Upon graduation, with a degree in mechanical engineering, Jerry served in the Army working as a project engineer for aircraft engines in Cleveland, Ohio, for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA which later became NASA). After WWII, he was hired as an industrial salesman for the Fuller Brush Company. The family moved from Akron to Columbus, then settling in Toledo, Ohio in 1949. In 1957, Jerry and two partners began Power Brushes, Inc. Power Brushes continues to be a family-run business to this day. Jerry was a great football fan, particularly of his brother Ara's coaching career, and his grandsons, Jared and Nathan's kicking careers in high school and college. Jerry enjoyed playing golf and was a longtime member at Highland Meadows Golf Club and Island Country Club in Marco Island, Florida. His answer to "How are you?" was "Terrific and getting better." Jerry enjoyed making people smile and laugh. During their wonderful 67 year marriage, Jerry and Maggie's favorite activity was getting together with their family. They supported their children and grandchildren in all their endeavors. They also took immense pleasure in hosting their family on numerous vacations. In his retirement they moved to Marco Island, Florida, to enjoy walking the beach, boating, golfing, watching sunsets and taking worldwide trips with the Nomad Travel Club. Nothing was more important to him than his loving family. Surviving in addition to his wife, Maggie, members of the family include daughter, Linda (Don) Runyon; son, Tom (Gayle) Parseghian; grandchildren, Craig Runyon (Deb McLaughlin), Brent Runyon (Tina Egloff), Jared (Erin), Nathan, and Amara Parseghian; great-grand-children, Owen Runyon, Hayden Parseghian, Lillie, Walker, and Hope Allison. Another great-grandson is due to arrive in early December; his brother, Ara (Katie) Parseghian; sister-in-law Bert (Joe) Murray and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Amelia Bonneau Parseghian and Michael Parseghian; sister, Isabelle Parseghian Atwood, and dear friend, Varkes Tavtigian. With his family at his side, Jerry passed away on September 25, 2010 from complications of Alzheimer's disease. His family would like to thank all the "angels" at Parkcliffe Community and Heartland Hospice who provided outstanding care. A celebration of Jerry's life is being planned and will be announced at a later date. Donations in his memory may be made to the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation, 3530 E. Campo Abierto, Suite 105, Tucson, AZ, 85718-3327.