Evelyn Diranian
Evelyn Diranian, matriarch of a well-known and highly respected Chelsea family and former owner of the Avenue Restaurant across from City Hall, died Monday surrounded by family. She was 85 years old.
Mrs. Diranian and her husband, the late Andrew Diranian Sr., moved to Chelsea in 1951 and bought the storefront for Andy’s Bike Shop that eventually transitioned to the Avenue Restaurant.
The restaurant became a daily gathering spot for the city’s elite and powerful, many of whom served in city government. Mr. and Mrs. Diranian, with their warm and welcoming natures, knew their customers on a personal basis and eating breakfast at the Avenue became a ritual for many on their way to their local jobs.
Mrs. Diranian’s son, Andy Jr., one of Chelsea High School’s greatest football players, also worked at the restaurant and like his parents, he was a superb cook and enjoyed the daily banter with Avenue customers. Andy’s excellence in Pop Warner and high school football was a source of pride for Mrs. Diranian and the family.
Mrs. Diranian was one of the founding members of the Chelsea Pop Warner youth football and cheerleading organization. Karen Pavlos, Mrs. Diranian’s oldest daughter, later served as president of the organization and her children, Jon, Jennifer, Andreana, and Nikolet Pavlos, all enjoyed their participation in Pop Warner.
Mrs. Diranian’s daughter, Ginny, and son, Chucky, also inherited their mother’s sparkling personality and wit. Like their siblings, they, too, gave back to their community and were kind and generous to others.
Mrs. Diranian loved to be at family gatherings and was a loving grandmother to seven, Jon, Jennifer, Andreana, Nikolet, Andrea, Alexa, and Andrew III. She also had four great-grandchildren, Karina, Jeremy, Evan, and Ryan.
“She was a loving person,” said Andreana Pavlos. “She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved being with her family. She loved traveling with my aunt, Ginny and every now and then pulling a lever on the slot machines at Foxwoods.”
Mrs. Diranian loved Chelsea and lived in the family home on Washington Avenue. She waged a courageous fight against cancer for many years. People loved being in her presence. Chelsea has a lost a true giant with a big heart. She touched the lives of many people.
Mrs. Diranian also leaves a daughter-in-law, Nancy Diranian, and a son-in-law, Kostas Pavlos.
Family and friends are welcome to pay their respects to Mrs. Diranian Friday, Feb. 20, from 4 to 8 p.m., at the Faggas Funeral Home, 551 Mount Auburn St., Watertown. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 21 at 11:30 a.m. at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Parker Street, Boston. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.