Leon T. Nahigian

98, passed away peacefully Saturday August 16, 2025. He was born in Providence Rhode Island on September 6, 1926, to the late Anna (Dadekian) and Thomas Nahigian and is predeceased by his brothers Kourken and Harry Nahigian. He graduated from Central High School in 1944 and then from RI State College (now University of Rhode Island) in 1948 with a BS Degree in Accounting. Upon graduation from college, he went to work for Paramount Restaurant Supply as their Office Manager. Over time he was promoted often, reaching the position of Vice President for not only Paramount but also serving in upper management positions with Paramount affiliated companies. While at Paramount he oversaw the equipping of many food service establishments including the very first Dunkin Donuts and participated in the establishment of the Johnson and Wales Culinary School. Paramount would be the only employer of his career as he was with them for 62 years before retiring in August 2010.

Leon served his country when drafted into the Army in 1951 during the Korean War. He did his basic training at Fort Dix and was then sent to Germany where he was assigned to the accounting and personnel departments. He attained the rank of Corporal and was honorably discharged in 1953.

Leon’s service to the Armenian Community started in the early 1940’s when he helped form the Rhode Island branch of the Armenian General Athletic Union. In 1964 he became a Third-Degree Mason of the Orpheus Lodge #36 and participated in the formation of the Armenian Masonic Degree Team. In 1971, he joined the Knights of Vartan Lodge #11 attaining the level of Commander in 1975. He further became involved with the Knights as an officer with the New England Inter-lodge and then in 1983 served two years on the Grand Council with fellow Fraternal Brothers from Providence. This Providence group would become well known nationally for starting the Annual Times Square Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide as well as establishing the “Chair for Armenian Studies” at the University of Michigan – Dearborn. In 1986, he was honored as Knight of the Year and was active for a total of 54 years.

His deep involvement with the Knights continued his passion for the Armenian Church. In 1970 he was elected to the Parish Council and eventually became a Diocesan Delegate. He was involved with many committees but most proud of three in particular. In 1991, he was Chairman of the Testimonial Dinner honoring four Parishioners with special honors and awards given by His Holiness Vazken 1 and Archbishop Khajag Barsamian. In 1992, he Chaired the celebration of the First Anniversary of the Independence of Armenia; an event attended by the Governor of Rhode Island and the Mayor of Providence. Then later in the 1990’s, he participated in the multi-year project of expansion and modernization of the Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Church facilities. He served on the Building Committee and Co-Chaired the fundraising committee until project completion in 2000.

Leon’s love for church and career was superseded only by his love for family and friends. He is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Veronica (Hovsepian), his children Linda Pascale and Kenneth and wife Colleen Nahigian, grandchildren Derek Pascale and wife Justine, Alex Nahigian and wife Flana, Alyssa Nahigian and fiancé Ryan Gregoire, Carlotta Trapassi and wife Brittany, and Sophia Trapassi and fiancé Tony Laymon. He has two great grandchildren Adelynn and Eloise Pascale and was a loving cousin and uncle to many. He enjoyed backgammon, golf, playing cards, shooting pool and anything else that surrounded him with family and friends; all of whom will miss him very much and loved him dearly.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Service on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. in Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church, 70 Jefferson Street, Providence, RI, followed by burial in Swan Point Cemetery, Providence. VISITING HOURS are from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. prior to funeral service in church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church, 70 Jefferson Street, Providence, RI 02908 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.