George M. "Frenchy" Gregorian

George M. “Frenchy” Gregorian of Cranston, RI died on Wednesday, February 16th after losing his battle with Covid. Born in Providence, RI, George was the cherished son of Virginia Rafaelian Gregorian and the late George K. “Frenchy” Gregorian. He was the younger brother of Camille Gregorian and Janette Gregorian who thoroughly enjoyed having an engaging little boy to help raise.

After graduating from Moses Brown, where by the way, he began his first business called Nuts to You to help pay his tuition, he went on to earn a business degree from Babson College, George became an entrepreneur and was the owner of Landscape Lighting Concepts, Frenchy’s Pop Corn and Frenchy’s Countryside Creamery. He seemed destined to become the second “Frenchy” as from the time he was a child, he liked everything about working in the popcorn truck and would cry when he was sent home early from a fair or festival.

His concessions were popular at WaterFire, The Greek Fest, the Carousel at Roger Williams Park and many other venues throughout Southern New England. He was very proud to continue the legacy of his father, the original “Frenchy” who would certainly be amazed at how George grew business from a “Mom and Pop operation to a sophisticated and professional one.

George was educated, yet street smart, creative and passionate in all that he did. George liked to think of himself as unique and he certainly marched to the beat of a different drummer.  In his youth, he went through a disco phase followed by a country music phase, complete with cowboy hat and boots.  He did everything in his own, often disorganized and chaotic way but always managed to get the job done.  He had a quick mind and seemed to know how to fix anything and create solutions for all kinds of problems.

George was a huge and vibrant personality who sometimes ruffled feathers but he held a special place in the hearts of many for his generosity, caring and concern.  He would help anyone, anywhere anytime.  He became a mentor for many younger men and women as the made their way in business.

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Aside from his passion for business, he was also an ardent supporter of Armenian-American, proud of his heritage and supportive of community goals.   He enjoyed being on TV or Radio to promote the Sts. Vartanantz Annual Armenian Fest. He was a good soul, loud and full of love and life.  He was never afraid to be silly and act the fool to entertain friends, family or acquaintances.  He loved and was a major player in his large, extended family of aunts, uncles and many cousins in the Rafaelian, Demetrakas, Janigian and Markarian clan.  His friends, many of whom he has known since grade school, are too numerous to name and come from all walks of life. Once he met you, he never forgot you.

George touched many lives in his time on earth and things were never boring when he was involved.  He will hold a special place in our hearts and live forever in our memories.

VISITING HOURS are Tuesday morning, February 22nd from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church, Providence, followed by a Funeral Service at 11 a.m., all to which relatives and friends are invited.  BURIAL WILL BE PRIVATE.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Sts. Vartanantz Church, 402 Broadway, Providence, RI 02909 or Armenian Relief Society of Eastern USA, 80 Bigelow Ave.-Suite 300, Watertown, MA 02472. https://arseastusa.org