Teams: Football: Press Releases

Sunday, April 6, 2008

"MR. TUFTS" JOHN BARONIAN, GREAT FRIEND TO TUFTS ATHLETICS, PASSES AWAY

MEDFORD -- John Baronian, a 1950 Tufts graduate and a dedicated supporter of Tufts Athletics for nearly 60 years, passed away on Saturday. Known on campus as "Mr. Tufts," Mr. Baronian built a legacy around his volunteer service to the University.

Mr. Baronian was the definition of Jumbo spirit. He was a two-way lineman for the Jumbo football team under legendary Tufts player and coach Fred "Fish" Ellis in the late 1940s. In 1969 Mr. Baronian co-founded the Tufts Jumbo Club, which provided financial support and organized social events to benefit the Tufts athletics program. Two awards, named in his honor, are presented annually to athletes in football. He also established a memorial scholarship in his parents' name and in 1986, an athletic field house at the Ellis Oval was named in his honor.

A Worcester, Mass., native, Mr. Baronian also served as alumni trustee for many years. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Commerce degree by Tufts in 1997. Tufts recognized his leadership in 1964 when he received the Tufts Distinguished Alumni Award. He was president of the Tufts University Alumni Association from 1970 to 1972.

Mr. Baronian was a nationally-ranked top salesman with American Mutual Insurance Co. In addition to his love for Tufts, Mr. Baronian was equally devoted to his family and to his Armenian heritage.

Wake/Funeral Information:

Wednesday, April 9, Visiting Hours will be held at St. Stephens Armenian Apostolic Church, 38 Elton Avenue, Watertown from 4:00 9:00 PM.
Thursday, April 10, Funeral Services will be held at St. Stephens Armenian Church, 11:00 AM

Donations in Mr. Baronians name may be made to:

St. Stephens Armenian Church
38 Elton Avenue
Watertown, MA 02472

Or

St. Stephens Armenian Elementary School
47 Nichols Avenue
Watertown MA 02472

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