RUSSELL A. GASPARIAN

Russell (Razmig) Allenby Gasparian, 91, Producer, Director and Host of the Armenian Radio Hour for six decades passed away peacefully on July 22, 2010 in Providence. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years Elizabeth (Mooradian) Gasparian. They resided in Johnston for 26 years. Russell was born in Aleppo, Syria on November 9, 1918 to the late Rev. Fr Yegishe and Negtar Gasparian. Five sisters completed the family: two surviving sisters, Naomi Balkun of CT and Roxanne Higginbotham of MA and 3 deceased sisters, Anoush Minassian, Irene Vartanian, and Helen Ohanessian. Russell traveled the world at a young age with his family and arrived at Ellis Island in 1926. At a young age Razmig was fascinated with show business. He became well known for plays he wrote, directed, and performed. He owned a record store, hosted dances, managed food markets (where he met his future wife). In July of 1947, without any formal broadcast training he established the Armenian Radio Hour; an ethnic radio variety show on WRIB-AM in the old Narragansett Hotel in Providence. Over the past 64 years he has broadcast at many locations including, Pawtucket, Providence, Brookline, MA and under various call letters both AM & FM including WPAW, WICE, WDEM, WXTA, WVOM and presently WARL-AM in Providence. In 1980 Russell went full circle returning to WRIB-FM. In 1989 he was joined by his daughter, Sonya as co-host. She is continuing his legacy, serving the Armenian community. Over the years many talented personalities joined Russell on the program including: Albert Arabian, Marilyn Woloohojian, Maritza Avakian, Sonia Takoushian, Martin Bolodian, Willis Peligian, George Gregorian, Mike Ayrassian, Shooshan Donikian, Varkis Markarian and many others. The Museum of Television and Radio in New York City and Beverly Hills, California recognized the Armenian Radio Hour as the longest continuous running ethnic program in the United States. The Armenian Radio Hour continues to be heard Sunday Mornings in RI and MA; and on the Internet at: www.armenianradiohour.com. Russell was greatly appreciated as evidenced from the numerous honors bestowed upon him throughout the last six decades including banquets, awards, proclamations and accolades by local and national churches, student organizations, political leaders, cultural and benevolent organizations. In October of 1947, former Governor John O. Pastore congratulated Russell for his accomplishments and crowned "Miss Armenia" at the first dance sponsored by the Armenian Radio Hour at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. In 1977, former Providence Mayor Vincent A. Cianci Jr. awarded Russell and the Armenian Radio Hour a Proclamation and the Key to the City of Providence for 30 years of continuous broadcasting. Mayor Cianci was a proud supporter of the Armenian community and the Armenian Radio Hour as evidenced in his many appearances. In 1987, former Governor Edward D. DiPrete proclaimed February 22, 1987 as "Russell Gasparian Recognition Day and the Armenian Radio Hour 40th anniversary". In 1991, His Holiness Vasken I, of Blessed Memory, Catholicos of All Armenians bestowed upon Russell the medal of St. Sahag & St. Mesrob and an Encyclical from the Etchmiadzin Holy See in Armenia, given only to individuals who have shown outstanding dedication to perpetuate the rich Armenian culture and heritage. Russell founded and operated "Four Star Creations", a jewelry design and manufacturing company in Olneyville Square from 1955 to 2000. During those years several clients included Vendome, Swarovski, Avon, Coro, Mr. Christmas, QVC, and Kirk's Folly. Russell's philosophy was reflected in the Armenian Radio Hour's introduction and conclusion with his well known quotes: "Heritage, culture, tradition, Armenians are proud of it, and wherever Armenian songs are heard, there Armenia lives", and in Armenian "ooraghatsour - gooraghanass" "making you happy - makes me happy." He leaves his wife Elizabeth, his three children, George Gasparian and wife Martha of PA, Florene Odgers and husband Ken of NJ, Sonya Taraian and husband Gary of MA, and four grandsons David Michael Norelli and Jason Russell Norelli of NJ and Gary Mikel Taraian Jr. and Zachary Razmig Taraian of MA. Memorial donations may be made to St. Sahag & St. Mesrob Church, 70 Jefferson St., Providence, RI 02908, Sts. Vartanantz Church, 402 Broadway, Providence, RI 02909, The Armenian Euphrates Evangelical Church, 13 Franklin St., Providence, RI 02903 or Home & Hospice Care of RI, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904.

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