POLAND — Gus Mavrigian, Ph.D., 95, died peacefully at home in Poland on Wednesday morning, January 12, 2022.
Gus was born in Youngstown on July 14, 1926 to parents Andrew and Sophia Mavrigian. As a youth growing up on the East Side, he took pride in delivering neighborhood newspapers with his fraternal twin brother Steve. Gus’ identity as Greek and Greek Orthodox Christian was of paramount importance to him, his beliefs largely inspired by his mother taking his and other families on walks to the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas for worship. As young boys, he and his brother Steve also served as acolytes at church ceremonies. Gus’ commitment to his faith was reflected in a life of kindness, caring, and selfless acts.
He excelled in his studies and graduated from East High School in Youngstown in 1944. After serving in the US Air Force in 1945 and again in 1950–51, he embarked on a long academic career, earning first a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics in 1950, followed by a Master of Science degree in mathematics in 1954, both dated Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh. In 1970 he returned to the renamed Carnegie Mellon University for a master of science degree in civil engineering.
Gus married his 61-year-old wife Yolanda DeTunno on November 23, 1950 at Sacred Heart Church. Years later, on January 17, 1965, the couple celebrated a Greek Orthodox ceremony at St. Nicholas.
After marrying in 1950, Gus and Yolanda settled briefly in Denver, Colorado while Gus served at the former Lowry Air Force Base. After returning to Youngstown, Gus began a career as a professor of mathematics at Youngstown State University in the mid-1950s. He loved to teach and served the university’s mathematics faculty for 36 years as a distinguished professor and from 1971 to 1972 as acting chairman of the faculty.
He earned a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Akron in 1975 with a major in Hydraulics and Fluid Mechanics. In 1977 he presented his work at the prestigious International Association of Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research World Congress in Baden-Baden, Germany.
dr Mavrigian has proofread numerous mathematical texts for publishers and in 1972, together with his colleague Dr. Paul X. Bellini Author of Mathematics and the Elements of Statics.
In addition to ongoing studies of his Greek Orthodox faith, he took a keen interest in learning about the saints and had a passion for religious artwork and icons. He appreciated visiting some of the remote monasteries on Mount Athos in Greece.
His many other interests included a love of opera and classical music, and following college football season.
dr Mavrigian was a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the Sigma Xi Scientific Research Honor Society, and the Mathematical Association of America.
He served his beloved St. Nicholas congregation as council chairman, Sunday School teacher, and dedicated Church fundraiser. He will also be remembered for his efforts in presiding over the celebrations of the Church’s official dedication in 1974.
He will often be remembered for the countless rides he provided for elderly parishioners who were otherwise housebound. In 2014, the Greek Orthodox metropolis of Pittsburgh honored Gus at its first annual St. Photios Awards Banquet, recognizing the responsibility and dedication to his community.
Gus was proud to be a Brother of the Order of AHEPA, the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association. He long served as the local secretary of the organization’s Lincoln Chapter 89 and also served on the board of directors of the association’s Boardman apartment complex.
He is survived by his son Michael (Lori) Mavrigian; daughter, Cynthia Andrews; son Mark Mavrigian; grandson, Christopher Andrews; and sister, Helen Modarelli. Many nephews and nieces also mourn him.
His parents preceded him in death; Wife; brothers, Angelo and Steve; sisters, Harriet and Ann; son-in-law, Philip Andrews; nephew, Father Andrew Kolitsos; and niece, Renee Modarelli.
The family would like to thank Father Joseph DiStefano, Dr. John Koval, MD, and the many wonderful nurses and staff at Hospice of the Valley, as well as the kind support of family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for memorial donations to be made to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, the Hospice of the Valley, or YSU public radio station, WYSU 88.5 FM.
Family and friends can call on Friday, January 21, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 220 N. Walnut St., Youngstown. A private funeral service for the family will begin at 11 a.m. The family is asking that masks be worn at all services.
The burial will take place at the Polish Cemetery by the river.
A memorial service to his life is planned for a later date. May his memory last forever.
To view this obituary or offer condolences to the family, please visit www.vaschak-kirilafh.com.
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