Richard N. Aurslanian

In an effort to define a good man, Socarates wrote that THIS man is one who always considers his actions and acts in a good and just manner. It is in this way we remember Richard N. Aurslanian.

Born on May 19, 1934 in Newburyport, Mass., Richard was the youngest child of three sons. He cherished his lifelong relationship he had with his brothers Harry and Meshac.  Growing up within walking distance of the ocean, he loved the salty smell of ocean air and sand under his feet. He would always claim New England as his own.

As the son of Armenian refugees, Richard carried the emotional DNA of his parents and those before them. He fulfilled that inheritance by serving the Armenian church, its members, and sharing his culture with anyone who was willing to listen. 

 In June of 1958, Richard graduated from Ohio State University and continued to pause for script Ohio anytime the Buckeyes were televised. Upon graduation, he took a solo trip across the country, exploring much of which he had never seen. A solo trip suited him. In many ways, Richard was a solitary man. He liked to ponder, to consider, to weigh implications of law, of society, of human behavior.

Upon college graduation, Richard proudly served his county as a member of the Army National Guard.

His future unfolded when he attended the Detroit ACYOA Armenian Turkey Trot in 1960 and met Sandra E. Zenobian, who was the love of his life for 58 beautiful years. Four years later came marriage, and three daughters shortly thereafter. After attending four years of night school at Cleveland Marshall Law, he graduated with his Law Degree in hand.

1111 Blanchester became the family home because it was close to the church. His children attended Armenian Church and language school, while he co-chaired the cultural hall building committee and directed a team that paid off the hall mortgage in only 4 years. He served his church in various capacities over the years and held the position of Parish Council chairperson at times. It was his honor to be named the Godfather of St. Gregory Armenian Church in 2018. 

Meanwhile, he enjoyed a 30-year career with the U.S. Federal Government, US Department of Labor, Wage and Hour division defending fair wage and justice for American workers. He took great pride in advocating for society’s greater good. A theme that continued throughout his professional and personal life.

In his spare time, Richard enjoyed years of playing softball for the Armenian Church team, jogging, racquetball and most importantly, his YMCA.  Richard was a firm believer of exercise in any form.  He will be missed at the Y.

Richard’s life was enhanced when he became a grandfather.  There are no words to describe the love that was shared between Richard and Greg, Valerie and Jackie.  He was the best listener and advisor to his Grandchildren.  His unconditional love for them will be carried in their hearts forever. 

Richard Aurslanian’s life purpose was fulfilled as a husband, father, and grandfather. His was a life of faith, pride, conviction, and strength. A life well lived.

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Richard N. Aurslanian, age 88 of Lyndhurst, OH.  Beloved husband of Sandra (nee Zenobian); loving father of Lisa Weingrad (Stephen) of Aurora, Cindy Russell (Todd) of Gates Mills and Dina Aurslanian (Scott Morgan) of Mayfield Hts.; dear grandfather of Greg, Valerie and Jackie Russell; dear brother of Meshac Aurslanian and the late Harry Aurslanian. 

The family prefers that those who wish may make contributions in his name to St. Gregory of Narek Armenian Church (https://stgregoryofnarek.org/donate).  A Funeral Service will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, May 9 at St. Gregory of Narek Armenian Apostolic Church, 678 Richmond Rd., Cleveland, OH 44143.  FRIENDS MAY CALL ON MONDAY, MAY 8TH FROM 4-7 PM AT ST. GREGORY OF NAREK ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH AND AGAIN ON TUESDAY, MAY 9 AT THE CHURCH FROM 9-10 AM.  Interment, Lake View Cemetery.