Raymond 'Solly' Amergian, 89
PORTLAND -- Raymond S. Amergian, 89, passed away on March 1, 2012, at the Maine Veteran's Home in Scarborough with his family by his side.
He was born in Portland, the son of Amervart and Araxie Amergian. He was educated in Portland schools and graduated from Portland High School, Class of 1942. Mr. Amergian was an Army Veteran, serving in World War II in the Army 89th General Hospital.
On Jan. 2, 1949, he married Dorothy Aghavny Hovnanian, who was the love of his life and together they owned and operated the Busy Beaver Market Stores in the Portland area. He later worked as a Mail Handler in the U.S. Postal Service, beginning in 1958 and retiring in 1985. While working there, he earned several Postal Award achievements.
Mr. Amergian was well known for his charitable work as a member of the Portland Armenian Club, which hosted the Armenian dances for over four decades. He was truly a legend and leader for the entire Armenian community. The dances were nicknamed 'The Camel Hop' and of course, Solly was 'The King of the Camel Hop'! The proceeds went to re-furbishing the Armenian Old Orchard section and he also established the Armenian section in the Forest City Cemetery. The dances started out in a small function hall and through its popularity grew to over 800 people with the dances being held twice a year at the South Portland Armory. Everyone always looked forward to this special event with an Armenian band and American music playing all throughout the night. The dance venues were always lavishly and beautifully decorated with all sorts of props, prizes and lots and lots of balloons. It typically took an entire week of work to decorate for each dance. The highlight of each dance for Solly and his guests was when he danced the traditional 'Tumzada' with Dorothy and his daughters!
In 1977, he continued to run the Armenian Dances at the BPOE Elks and Italian Heritage Center, with the proceeds going to the restoration of the St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Congress Street in Portland.
He was a member of the American Legion Harold T. Andrews Post #17 and the Portland Elks Lodge #188. He was also a member of the Italian Heritage Center, where he enjoyed playing cards daily with his great friend, Peter Anania.
Solly's favorite things in life were spending time with his family on trips to Puerto Rico and Las Vegas or just going out to dinner and a play. He enjoyed fishing and having annual BBQ cookouts for his friends and family. He loved to treat his guests and prepare his 'secret traditional recipes' like his famous marinated chicken. Most important for him was always being together with his family for all Holidays and special occasions at the lake.
Solly was always extremely active and even in his retirement he continued his daily routine from very early in the morning to check up on all his friends and volunteer his help with whatever they needed. One thing for sure, Solly could always be counted on to be the first one there any time someone was sick, had a loss or was in need in any way. He always cared so deeply and put everyone else ahead of himself.
His family was absolutely everything to him. He loved and cherished his beautiful wife of 60 years, Dorothy, and was most proud of the values they instilled in their three children, Sheila, Raymond and Denise. He really treasured listening to his grandson, Marc, play the saxophone along with his grand and great-granddaughters he affectionately called, 'Papa's Little Darlings'! Solly was tireless and dedicated every moment to working as hard as he could to see that his family was taken care of. His proudest achievement was how he and Dot raised such a close tight knit loving family.
His selflessness and energy will be sadly missed by all how knew him. He is and will always be the heart and soul of his family.
He was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy. Survivors include one son, Raymond R. Amergian of Portland, two daughters, Sheila Carver and husband Lenwood of Winslow, Denise Ludka and husband Bruce of Windham; three grandchildren, Christina Larrivee and husband Stephen of Hollis, Marc Heskett, a member of the U.S.N. stationed in New Orleans and his fiancee Rachel Vives, Vanessa Ludka of Windham; two great-granddaughters, Gabrielle and Norah Larrivee of Hollis.
Visiting hours will be held 4-7 p.m. on Monday, March 5th at the Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland, where a funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon, Tuesday, March 6th. Burial ceremony will be held in the Spring.
The family of Raymond 'Solly' Amergian would like to extend a deep appreciation to all at the Maine Veteran's Home in Scarborough, Maine for the excellent care of their father.
In lieu of flowers, memorial
contributions may be made to:
American Heart Association
51 US Route 1, Suite M
Scarborough, ME 04074, or to
the charity of one's choice
Published in Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram from Mar. 4 to Mar. 5, 2012.
1940 Federal Census for 47 Cedar Street, Portland, Cumberland, Maine: Amervert Amergian, age 70, Occupation: proprietor; restaurant, wife Arexie, age 60, Raymond, age 17, parents born in Armenia, Raymond in Maine.
PORTLAND -- Raymond S. Amergian, 89, passed away on March 1, 2012, at the Maine Veteran's Home in Scarborough with his family by his side.
He was born in Portland, the son of Amervart and Araxie Amergian. He was educated in Portland schools and graduated from Portland High School, Class of 1942. Mr. Amergian was an Army Veteran, serving in World War II in the Army 89th General Hospital.
On Jan. 2, 1949, he married Dorothy Aghavny Hovnanian, who was the love of his life and together they owned and operated the Busy Beaver Market Stores in the Portland area. He later worked as a Mail Handler in the U.S. Postal Service, beginning in 1958 and retiring in 1985. While working there, he earned several Postal Award achievements.
Mr. Amergian was well known for his charitable work as a member of the Portland Armenian Club, which hosted the Armenian dances for over four decades. He was truly a legend and leader for the entire Armenian community. The dances were nicknamed 'The Camel Hop' and of course, Solly was 'The King of the Camel Hop'! The proceeds went to re-furbishing the Armenian Old Orchard section and he also established the Armenian section in the Forest City Cemetery. The dances started out in a small function hall and through its popularity grew to over 800 people with the dances being held twice a year at the South Portland Armory. Everyone always looked forward to this special event with an Armenian band and American music playing all throughout the night. The dance venues were always lavishly and beautifully decorated with all sorts of props, prizes and lots and lots of balloons. It typically took an entire week of work to decorate for each dance. The highlight of each dance for Solly and his guests was when he danced the traditional 'Tumzada' with Dorothy and his daughters!
In 1977, he continued to run the Armenian Dances at the BPOE Elks and Italian Heritage Center, with the proceeds going to the restoration of the St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Congress Street in Portland.
He was a member of the American Legion Harold T. Andrews Post #17 and the Portland Elks Lodge #188. He was also a member of the Italian Heritage Center, where he enjoyed playing cards daily with his great friend, Peter Anania.
Solly's favorite things in life were spending time with his family on trips to Puerto Rico and Las Vegas or just going out to dinner and a play. He enjoyed fishing and having annual BBQ cookouts for his friends and family. He loved to treat his guests and prepare his 'secret traditional recipes' like his famous marinated chicken. Most important for him was always being together with his family for all Holidays and special occasions at the lake.
Solly was always extremely active and even in his retirement he continued his daily routine from very early in the morning to check up on all his friends and volunteer his help with whatever they needed. One thing for sure, Solly could always be counted on to be the first one there any time someone was sick, had a loss or was in need in any way. He always cared so deeply and put everyone else ahead of himself.
His family was absolutely everything to him. He loved and cherished his beautiful wife of 60 years, Dorothy, and was most proud of the values they instilled in their three children, Sheila, Raymond and Denise. He really treasured listening to his grandson, Marc, play the saxophone along with his grand and great-granddaughters he affectionately called, 'Papa's Little Darlings'! Solly was tireless and dedicated every moment to working as hard as he could to see that his family was taken care of. His proudest achievement was how he and Dot raised such a close tight knit loving family.
His selflessness and energy will be sadly missed by all how knew him. He is and will always be the heart and soul of his family.
He was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy. Survivors include one son, Raymond R. Amergian of Portland, two daughters, Sheila Carver and husband Lenwood of Winslow, Denise Ludka and husband Bruce of Windham; three grandchildren, Christina Larrivee and husband Stephen of Hollis, Marc Heskett, a member of the U.S.N. stationed in New Orleans and his fiancee Rachel Vives, Vanessa Ludka of Windham; two great-granddaughters, Gabrielle and Norah Larrivee of Hollis.
Visiting hours will be held 4-7 p.m. on Monday, March 5th at the Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland, where a funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon, Tuesday, March 6th. Burial ceremony will be held in the Spring.
The family of Raymond 'Solly' Amergian would like to extend a deep appreciation to all at the Maine Veteran's Home in Scarborough, Maine for the excellent care of their father.
In lieu of flowers, memorial
contributions may be made to:
American Heart Association
51 US Route 1, Suite M
Scarborough, ME 04074, or to
the charity of one's choice
Published in Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram from Mar. 4 to Mar. 5, 2012.
1940 Federal Census for 47 Cedar Street, Portland, Cumberland, Maine: Amervert Amergian, age 70, Occupation: proprietor; restaurant, wife Arexie, age 60, Raymond, age 17, parents born in Armenia, Raymond in Maine.
Raymond 'Solly' Amergian, 89
PORTLAND -- Raymond S. Amergian, 89, passed away on March 1, 2012, at the Maine Veteran's Home in Scarborough with his family by his side.
He was born in Portland, the son of Amervart and Araxie Amergian. He was educated in Portland schools and graduated from Portland High School, Class of 1942. Mr. Amergian was an Army Veteran, serving in World War II in the Army 89th General Hospital.
On Jan. 2, 1949, he married Dorothy Aghavny Hovnanian, who was the love of his life and together they owned and operated the Busy Beaver Market Stores in the Portland area. He later worked as a Mail Handler in the U.S. Postal Service, beginning in 1958 and retiring in 1985. While working there, he earned several Postal Award achievements.
Mr. Amergian was well known for his charitable work as a member of the Portland Armenian Club, which hosted the Armenian dances for over four decades. He was truly a legend and leader for the entire Armenian community. The dances were nicknamed 'The Camel Hop' and of course, Solly was 'The King of the Camel Hop'! The proceeds went to re-furbishing the Armenian Old Orchard section and he also established the Armenian section in the Forest City Cemetery. The dances started out in a small function hall and through its popularity grew to over 800 people with the dances being held twice a year at the South Portland Armory. Everyone always looked forward to this special event with an Armenian band and American music playing all throughout the night. The dance venues were always lavishly and beautifully decorated with all sorts of props, prizes and lots and lots of balloons. It typically took an entire week of work to decorate for each dance. The highlight of each dance for Solly and his guests was when he danced the traditional 'Tumzada' with Dorothy and his daughters!
In 1977, he continued to run the Armenian Dances at the BPOE Elks and Italian Heritage Center, with the proceeds going to the restoration of the St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Congress Street in Portland.
He was a member of the American Legion Harold T. Andrews Post #17 and the Portland Elks Lodge #188. He was also a member of the Italian Heritage Center, where he enjoyed playing cards daily with his great friend, Peter Anania.
Solly's favorite things in life were spending time with his family on trips to Puerto Rico and Las Vegas or just going out to dinner and a play. He enjoyed fishing and having annual BBQ cookouts for his friends and family. He loved to treat his guests and prepare his 'secret traditional recipes' like his famous marinated chicken. Most important for him was always being together with his family for all Holidays and special occasions at the lake.
Solly was always extremely active and even in his retirement he continued his daily routine from very early in the morning to check up on all his friends and volunteer his help with whatever they needed. One thing for sure, Solly could always be counted on to be the first one there any time someone was sick, had a loss or was in need in any way. He always cared so deeply and put everyone else ahead of himself.
His family was absolutely everything to him. He loved and cherished his beautiful wife of 60 years, Dorothy, and was most proud of the values they instilled in their three children, Sheila, Raymond and Denise. He really treasured listening to his grandson, Marc, play the saxophone along with his grand and great-granddaughters he affectionately called, 'Papa's Little Darlings'! Solly was tireless and dedicated every moment to working as hard as he could to see that his family was taken care of. His proudest achievement was how he and Dot raised such a close tight knit loving family.
His selflessness and energy will be sadly missed by all how knew him. He is and will always be the heart and soul of his family.
He was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy. Survivors include one son, Raymond R. Amergian of Portland, two daughters, Sheila Carver and husband Lenwood of Winslow, Denise Ludka and husband Bruce of Windham; three grandchildren, Christina Larrivee and husband Stephen of Hollis, Marc Heskett, a member of the U.S.N. stationed in New Orleans and his fiancee Rachel Vives, Vanessa Ludka of Windham; two great-granddaughters, Gabrielle and Norah Larrivee of Hollis.
Visiting hours will be held 4-7 p.m. on Monday, March 5th at the Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland, where a funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon, Tuesday, March 6th. Burial ceremony will be held in the Spring.
The family of Raymond 'Solly' Amergian would like to extend a deep appreciation to all at the Maine Veteran's Home in Scarborough, Maine for the excellent care of their father.
In lieu of flowers, memorial
contributions may be made to:
American Heart Association
51 US Route 1, Suite M
Scarborough, ME 04074, or to
the charity of one's choice
Published in Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram from Mar. 4 to Mar. 5, 2012.
1940 Federal Census for 47 Cedar Street, Portland, Cumberland, Maine: Amervert Amergian, age 70, Occupation: proprietor; restaurant, wife Arexie, age 60, Raymond, age 17, parents born in Armenia, Raymond in Maine.
PORTLAND -- Raymond S. Amergian, 89, passed away on March 1, 2012, at the Maine Veteran's Home in Scarborough with his family by his side.
He was born in Portland, the son of Amervart and Araxie Amergian. He was educated in Portland schools and graduated from Portland High School, Class of 1942. Mr. Amergian was an Army Veteran, serving in World War II in the Army 89th General Hospital.
On Jan. 2, 1949, he married Dorothy Aghavny Hovnanian, who was the love of his life and together they owned and operated the Busy Beaver Market Stores in the Portland area. He later worked as a Mail Handler in the U.S. Postal Service, beginning in 1958 and retiring in 1985. While working there, he earned several Postal Award achievements.
Mr. Amergian was well known for his charitable work as a member of the Portland Armenian Club, which hosted the Armenian dances for over four decades. He was truly a legend and leader for the entire Armenian community. The dances were nicknamed 'The Camel Hop' and of course, Solly was 'The King of the Camel Hop'! The proceeds went to re-furbishing the Armenian Old Orchard section and he also established the Armenian section in the Forest City Cemetery. The dances started out in a small function hall and through its popularity grew to over 800 people with the dances being held twice a year at the South Portland Armory. Everyone always looked forward to this special event with an Armenian band and American music playing all throughout the night. The dance venues were always lavishly and beautifully decorated with all sorts of props, prizes and lots and lots of balloons. It typically took an entire week of work to decorate for each dance. The highlight of each dance for Solly and his guests was when he danced the traditional 'Tumzada' with Dorothy and his daughters!
In 1977, he continued to run the Armenian Dances at the BPOE Elks and Italian Heritage Center, with the proceeds going to the restoration of the St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Congress Street in Portland.
He was a member of the American Legion Harold T. Andrews Post #17 and the Portland Elks Lodge #188. He was also a member of the Italian Heritage Center, where he enjoyed playing cards daily with his great friend, Peter Anania.
Solly's favorite things in life were spending time with his family on trips to Puerto Rico and Las Vegas or just going out to dinner and a play. He enjoyed fishing and having annual BBQ cookouts for his friends and family. He loved to treat his guests and prepare his 'secret traditional recipes' like his famous marinated chicken. Most important for him was always being together with his family for all Holidays and special occasions at the lake.
Solly was always extremely active and even in his retirement he continued his daily routine from very early in the morning to check up on all his friends and volunteer his help with whatever they needed. One thing for sure, Solly could always be counted on to be the first one there any time someone was sick, had a loss or was in need in any way. He always cared so deeply and put everyone else ahead of himself.
His family was absolutely everything to him. He loved and cherished his beautiful wife of 60 years, Dorothy, and was most proud of the values they instilled in their three children, Sheila, Raymond and Denise. He really treasured listening to his grandson, Marc, play the saxophone along with his grand and great-granddaughters he affectionately called, 'Papa's Little Darlings'! Solly was tireless and dedicated every moment to working as hard as he could to see that his family was taken care of. His proudest achievement was how he and Dot raised such a close tight knit loving family.
His selflessness and energy will be sadly missed by all how knew him. He is and will always be the heart and soul of his family.
He was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy. Survivors include one son, Raymond R. Amergian of Portland, two daughters, Sheila Carver and husband Lenwood of Winslow, Denise Ludka and husband Bruce of Windham; three grandchildren, Christina Larrivee and husband Stephen of Hollis, Marc Heskett, a member of the U.S.N. stationed in New Orleans and his fiancee Rachel Vives, Vanessa Ludka of Windham; two great-granddaughters, Gabrielle and Norah Larrivee of Hollis.
Visiting hours will be held 4-7 p.m. on Monday, March 5th at the Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland, where a funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon, Tuesday, March 6th. Burial ceremony will be held in the Spring.
The family of Raymond 'Solly' Amergian would like to extend a deep appreciation to all at the Maine Veteran's Home in Scarborough, Maine for the excellent care of their father.
In lieu of flowers, memorial
contributions may be made to:
American Heart Association
51 US Route 1, Suite M
Scarborough, ME 04074, or to
the charity of one's choice
Published in Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram from Mar. 4 to Mar. 5, 2012.
1940 Federal Census for 47 Cedar Street, Portland, Cumberland, Maine: Amervert Amergian, age 70, Occupation: proprietor; restaurant, wife Arexie, age 60, Raymond, age 17, parents born in Armenia, Raymond in Maine.
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