A military dog tag belonging to Avedis Avedesian was returned to his son, David, in Washington DC on May 27, 2022 by the Nam Knights of America MC, under the direction of the Independence Chapter. Avedesian's dog tag came into the possession of Sue Quinn-Morris of Patriot Connections Dog Tag Project, after a man, Gary Hall, found them at a flea market in Florida. Quinn-Morris was able to locate the veterans family and arrangements were made for the return.

A true leader and teacher, Avie touched the lives of all who ever had the pleasure and honor of spending time with him. Avedis Avedesian was born November 22, 1927 in Providence, RI and passed away on July 8, 2003 in RI.

Born in Pawtucket, a son of the late Durtad and Turvanda (Eligian) Avedesian, he lived in Providence, moving to Cranston in 1969.

He was a World War II Army veteran serving in Germany during the Army of Occupation.

Mr. Avedesian graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1953 and was a member of Phi Mu Delta Fraternity. He received his master's degree in health and physical education from Boston University.

Mr. Avedesian was a teacher at Ponaganset High School for 28 years, retiring in 1989. While at Ponaganset High School he was the football and gymnastic coach. His energies were directed towards his beliefs that you could help young people develop their character, integrity and strength of commitment. He achieved these goals by using his strengths as a teacher, coach, mentor and volunteer.

Mr. Avedesian was a water safety instructor and Rhode Island State Lifeguard Surf Tester for the American Red Cross. He was a schoolboy football, basketball and baseball official for over 40 years.

From 1956 to 1975, he served at YMCA Camp Fuller-by-the-Sea as waterfront, program and assistant director. He focused on youth development and had the ability to give young people purpose to achieve, to develop their roots, and ultimately wings of self-worth.

He was a member of Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church of Providence and served on its Parish Council and various committees. He was a member of the Knights of Vartan and of the Orpheus Masonic Lodge of Cranston.

Mr. Avedesian was an avid sports fan and a great influence on many young people's lives. He was a great advocate that youth should have a "good time" at all levels of sport. He felt that by combining sports and young people, one could teach many of life's lessons.

Burial with military honors was held in Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, Exeter.

CAMP FULLER By-The-Sea

Camp Fuller Legend

AVEDIS “AVIE” AVEDESIAN

When many think of Camp Fuller, one of the first people who comes to mind is Avie Avedesian. Standing in front of the entire camp each morning, regardless of the actual weather, Avie would declare that it was “A Beauty Day at Camp Fuller”. Just hearing those words, you had to believe that it was, in fact a beautiful day.

His larger-than-life, embracing personality and warm heart made him a beloved member of the Fuller family for generations. A true leader and teacher, Avie touched the lives of all who ever had the pleasure and honor of spending time with him. His legacy lives on to this day and he continues to evoke great memories of time spent at Fuller.

A lifelong teacher and inspiring leader, Avie, a polar bear of a man, influenced generations of campers on the importance of a kind heart, a generous spirit and honor.

Of his many memorable attributes, Avie had the innate ability to draw the best from each person. With his larger than life persona, camplers and staff fondly remember him at each morning Flag Raising wearing his camp shirt, shorts and sunglasses, cheerfully calling out, "Big Moose says there will be another "Beauty Day" at Camp Fuller"

Unfortunately, Avi's wife Alice passed away in 2014. Her obit reads as follows;

Alice M. Avedesian, 84, of North Kingstown, formerly of Cranston, passed peacefully at her home on July 8, 2014. She joined her beloved husband of over 50 years, Avie who passed on this very day eleven years ago.

She was born on April 28, 1930 in Providence, RI to Tateos and Mantoohe (Serjenian) Heditsian. She was the loving sister to Manoog Heditsian, Queenie Tashjian and the late Corinne Heditsian.

Alice met her husband Avie while they both attended The University of Rhode Island. After graduating in 1952 she later went on to receive a Master's Degree in Library Science at URI in the 60's. She was active with the URI Alumni Association in the 80's.

Alice was a librarian at Cranston High School East for 28 years until her retirement in 1990. Alice enjoyed bringing the excitement of books and learning to her students. For several years after retirement she worked through the Rhode Island Library Association, to assist other high school librarians in the reorganization and updating of their libraries.

For 19 years, with her husband and children, Alice spent her summers at The YMCA Camp Fuller-by-the-Sea while Avie served on the Fuller staff. Alice was like a "second mother" to many of the campers and staff at Fuller. She developed many caring and endearing friendships which lasted long after her Fuller years.

There was never enough time in the day to do all the things that she enjoyed so much. Reading was always a must, working on her daily crossword puzzles, knitting, creating her next sewing project, cooking, going to the theater, book clubs, talking to her friends, writing life lessons on any scrap of paper she could find and enjoying the love of her family. As a lifelong native of Rhode Island she loved the natural beauty of the local beaches and shore lines. She loved to summer at the Bonnet Shores Beach Club.

Alice was always able to relate to people and especially enjoyed participating with today's youth and their issues. Her ability to balance her knowledge, perceptions, tough love and keen sense of humor was always welcomed to discuss many of today's topics.

Alice will be mostly missed for her warm embrace and willingness to open her welcoming arms to accept people as a part of her loving extended family.

Alice's love for life will continue through her children, David Avedesian (Mary Beth) of Silver Spring, MD, Haig Avedesian (Elle Nyre) of Flagstaff, AZ, Ted Avedesian of Westerly, RI and Anahid Avedesian-Sardelli (John) of North Kingstown, RI and two grandchildren, Catherine Avedesian Vadnais (Jack) and Gregory Avedesian(finance Mary Elizabeth).

Her Funeral Service will be held on Friday, July 18th at 10:00 am in Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church, 70 Jefferson Street, Providence, RI, followed by burial at RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 301 South County Trail, Exeter, RI.

VISISTING HOURS are Thursday, July 17th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Nardolillo Funeral Home & Crematory – SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL, 1111 Boston Neck Road (Rte. 1A) Narragansett, RI.

In lieu of flowers, Alice's family asks that donations be made to either the Avie Avedesian Endowment Fund of Camp Fuller (401 783 5359) or The Providence Public Library foundation (401 455 8003).
http://www.ymcagreaterprovidence.org/Donate/CampFuller/tabid/349/Default.aspx
http://www.provlib.org/Support the Library/Memorial and Tribute Program

Published in the Providence Journal on July 15-16, 2014