John Ayrassian

Memorial services for John Ayrassian, 78, of Canton will be held on Friday, May 8, 2009 at 11:00am at the Grace Episcopal Church with Mother Evette Austin, officiating. Mr. Ayrassian passed away on Sunday, May 03, 2009 at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital where he had been a patient for a short time.
Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday, May 7, 2009 from 2-4 and 7-9pm. A Masonic service will be held at 7pm on Thursday. Contributions in his memory may be made the John and Joshua Ayrassian Scholarship Fund, c/o Carl and Kim Ayrassian, 780 Farnes Road, Canton, NY 13617.
Surviving Mr. Ayrassian are his wife of 56years, Patricia of Canton, two sons, Carl and wife Kim Ayrassian of Canton; Ara Ayrassian of Santa Barbara; two daughters Jean and husband Kurt Samuelson of Farmingham, Mass; Karis and husband Kent of mount Pleasant, SC; four grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
A sister Mary Antrassian and a grandson Joshua Ayrassian predecease him.
Born December 14, 1930 in Massena, he is the son of the late Carl and Irene (Nazarian) Ayrassian. He graduated from Massena Schools in 1948, from SUNY Potsdam in 1954 with his teaching degree and from St. Lawrence University in 1956 with his Masters degree. He married Patricia Barry on January 10, 1953 at St. John's Episcopal Church in Massena with the then Rev. Purcell, officiating.
Mr. Ayrassian served in the United States navy from July 1949 till July 1950. John dedicated his life and career to working with our youth. For 38 years he worked for the Canton Central School district helping the children conquer their fear of math and water. He was a respected referee in football, baseball, basketball and softball as well as playing a mean game of baseball and basketball in his day. Mr. Ayrassian received many awards throughout his tenure. In 1954 he was awarded the New York State War Service Scholarship, in 1983 he was awarded the Northern Chapter of Football Officials Dedication Award, several awards in 1992, Village of Canton Resolution of Appreciation; NYSBCA award for official of the year (basketball coaches association); NNYGBA Award dedication to the girls basketball program; NCBB Plaque of Appreciation; Canton Varsity "C" Special Award; and the Section 10 Basketball Assigner Recognition, in 1996, inducted into the SUNY Potsdam Athletic Hall of Fame, in 2001 Canton High Athletic Hall of Fame, 2002 NYS Association Certified Football Officials Merit Award, 2003 Canton Village Recreation Department Certificate of Appreciation, and 2004 Massena Central School Hall of Fame.