Gus was born to parents Andrew and Sophia Mavrigian, in Youngstown, on July 14, 1926. As a youth growing up on the East Side, he was proud to deliver newspapers around the neighborhood with fraternal twin brother, Steve. Gus’s identity as a Greek, and a Greek Orthodox Christian, was paramount to his being, his faith inspired largely by his mother, who would lead his and other families on walks to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church for services. As young boys, he and brother Steve also served as acolytes during church ceremonies. Gus’s devotion to his faith was exemplified through a life of kind, caring and selfless acts.

He excelled in his studies and graduated from Youngstown’s East High School in 1944. After serving in the U.S. Air Force in 1945, and again in 1950 to 1951, he began a long academic career, earning first a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics in 1950, followed by a Master of Science degree in mathematics in 1954, both from the Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh. He returned to renamed Carnegie Mellon University for a Master of Science in civil engineering degree in 1970.

Gus married his wife of 61 years, Yolanda DeTunno, on Nov. 23, 1950, at Sacred Heart Church. Years later, the couple celebrated a Greek Orthodox ceremony on Jan. 17, 1965, at St. Nicholas.

After wedding in 1950, Gus and Yolanda settled briefly in Denver, Colo., as Gus served at the former Lowry Air Force Base. After a return to Youngstown, by the mid-1950s, Gus began a career as a professor of mathematics at Youngstown State University. He loved to teach, serving the university’s Department of Mathematics for 36 years as a distinguished professor and as acting chair of the department from 1971 to 1972.

He attained a Ph.D. in civil engineering from the University of Akron in 1975, with a focus on hydraulics and fluid mechanics. In 1977, he presented work at the prestigious International Association of Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research World Congress in Baden-Baden, Germany.

Dr. Mavrigian served as a proofreader for numerous mathematical texts for publishers, and co-authored the book, “Mathematics and the Elements of Statics,” with colleague Dr. Paul X. Bellini, in 1972.

In addition to ongoing studies of his Greek Orthodox faith, he took great interest in learning about the saints, and had a passion for religious artwork and icons. He cherished his visit to some of the secluded monasteries at Mount Athos in Greece.

Among his many other interests were a love of opera and classical music, and following the college football season.

Dr. Mavrigian was a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Sigma Xi Scientific Research Honor Society, and the Mathematical Association of America.

He served his beloved St. Nicholas Parish as council president, a Sunday school instructor, and devoted worker for church fundraising events. He will also be remembered for his efforts in leading the celebrations of the official consecration of the church in 1974.

He is often remembered for the countless rides he provided for elderly parishioners who were otherwise housebound. In 2014, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh honored Gus at its first annual St. Photios Awards Banquet, recognizing stewardship and devotion to his parish.

Gus was proud to be a brother of the Order of AHEPA, the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association. He long served as the organization’s local Lincoln Chapter 89 secretary, and was also on the board of the association’s apartment complex in Boardman.

He is survived by his son, Michael (Lori) Mavrigian; daughter, Cynthia Andrews; son, Mark Mavrigian; grandson, Christopher Andrews; and sister, Helen Modarelli. Numerous nephews and nieces also mourn his loss.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brothers, Angelo and Steve; sisters, Harriet and Ann; son-in-law, Philip Andrews; nephew, Father Andrew Kolitsos; and niece, Renee Modarelli.

The family wishes to thank Father Joseph DiStefano, Dr. John Koval, MD, and the many wonderful nurses and staff with Hospice of the Valley, as well as the kind support of family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Hospice of the Valley, or to YSU’s public radio affiliate, WYSU 88.5 FM.

Family and friends may call 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 21, 2022, at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 220 N. Walnut St., Youngstown. A private family funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. The family requests that masks be worn for all services.

Burial will be in Poland Riverside Cemetery.

A memorial celebration of his life is planned for a later time. May his memory be eternal.

To view this obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.vaschak-kirilafh.com.

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