Raymond "Ray" J. Bagdassarian

Youngstown - Raymond J. "Ray" Bagdassarian, 86, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2024 at home surrounded by his family. He was born in Lansingville's south side on April 14, 1938, one of seven siblings, including three sets of twins, to parents Gabriel and Cecila (Svagerko) Bagdassarian. 

He was a 1956 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and worked for Ohio Edison as a line trouble shooter for 35 years until his retirement in 2000. He joined the United States Army in 1959, where he played baseball for Fort Eustis, VA until his honorable discharge in 1962. Also in 1959, his Philadelphia Tavern Team won the league title in the Lil Parke Championship. 

In 1963, his ACC slow-pitch softball team achieved an impressive 17-0 record. Over the years, he also played for several notable teams, including Langley for Sheriff, Youngstown ACME Club, Lansingville Sportsman Club, and Lucia's Lounge, where he earned MVP honors when the team won the Mahoning County Championship.

After his playing days, he transitioned to coaching in Boardman Little League, where his two sons and two daughters participated. He managed the 13-year-old All-Star team to a World Series championship in 1981 in Taylor, MI, finishing with an undefeated 15-0 record. Later, in 1985, his 15-year-old team won the state title. Additionally, he coached Class B baseball and served as a volunteer assistant for five years at Chaney High School.

At the age of 50, he began playing for the Youngstown Oldtimers 50+ league and was eventually inducted into the Youngstown Oldtimers Baseball Hall of Fame. 

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his daughters, Jeannie (John) Fronek of Baden, PA and Katie Smithberger of Boardman; his sons, John (Nancy Nackino) Bagdassarian of Canfield and Raymond Bagdassarian, Jr. of Youngstown; his two grandchildren, Nathan Smithberger and Kaitlyn Bagdassarian, both of Boardman; his sisters, Lucille Santangelo and Dianne Bagdassarian, both of Columbus; his brother, Donald Bagdassarian of Struthers; as well as many nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, the former Judith A. Whalen, whom he married May 9, 1964 at Immaculate Conception Church, and who passed away on March 24, 2023; his twin brother, Richard Bagdassarian; and sisters, Donna Libatore and Betty Bellish.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Davis-Becker Funeral Home in Boardman, and again from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, followed immediately by a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11:00 a.m. He will be laid to rest with his wife at Calvary Cemetery. 

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Dr. Thomas Traikoff and the care team at Fresenius Kidney Care in Cornersburg for their compassionate care, and a special thank you to Roxie Wilcox, who went above and beyond during Ray's time of need. 

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send the family condolences.