George Joseph Barishian, age 87, of Hope RI, died on Friday, December 25, 2020. He was born on October 22, 1933 to the late Karicor and Emily (Azrak) Barishian in Providence, RI. He had lived in Hope for 47 years and had previously lived in Providence. He was the loving husband of the late Margaret M. Barishian, who departed from us earlier this year. They were married for nearly 61 years.
George is survived by his children: Donna Barishian of North Providence, Nancy Burke and her husband Harold of Greenville, Gregory Barishian and his wife Maureen of Chepachet, David Barishian of Hope, and his cherished grandchildren Rebecca and Ryan Barishian. He’d always jokingly refer to them as his favorite granddaughter and grandson, knowing fully well that they were also his only grandchildren. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law Lily and Antoine Mangalo of Barrington RI. He is predeceased by his brother John Barishian and sister Marylou Clifford, who departed from us earlier this year.
George was the owner of Knightsville Laundry of Cranston and a dedicated employee of the USPS for over thirty years. He took pride in his business and pitching mail at the main facility in Providence. He attended Johnson & Wales University for business and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.
George was best remembered for his kindness and storytelling when sharing his experiences growing up in Providence. We made a point every few years to drive through the neighborhood where he grew up and where he delivered 200+ newspapers as a teen. In his retirement years, he enjoyed reading historical facts on WWII, having lunch with his childhood friends as well as sparking good-natured political debates.
A Mass of Christian Burial for George and Margaret will be held Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 9:30am in St. Philip’s Church, 622 Putnam Pike, Greenville RI 02828. Masks and social distancing are required. Seating will be at reduced capacity due to COVID restrictions. Burial will be private. Special thanks to the very kind CNA’s and Homemaker staff of Home Health & Hospice Care. They made a difference in their quality of life for both George and Margaret for the past four years.
To view the stream of the service, please visit the St. Philip's Church YouTube page.
While it would bring a smile to George’s face to have donations go to the Republican National Committee, it may be more appropriate in his memory for donations to be made to The Nursing Placement Foundation 334 East Avenue Pawtucket RI 02860 or The Miriam Hospital Foundation P.O. Box H, Providence, RI 02901.