John Tevanian, 91

John Tevanian

PORTLAND — John Tevanian, 91, passed away on Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at the Maine Medical Center, with family by his side.

John was born in Portland, on June 20, 1926, to Giragos and Rakel (Vartanyan) Tevanian. He was educated in Portland Schools and graduated from Portland High School, Class of 1944.

After graduation, John enlisted in the United States Army and served in Germany as a Staff Sergeant with the 896th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapon Battalion. Upon returning home, he attended the University of Maine, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and, later, his Master’s degree in Education at the University of Southern Maine.

John was employed as a teacher for thirty-five years with the Portland School system. He taught in the classroom at King Junior High School and Portland High School, as well as working for the Superintendent’s office as a Truant Officer and Bussing coordinator.

John was an alumni member of the Greater Portland Boys and Girls Club where he spent many years growing up with friends, learning how to swim and participate in sports, which he enjoyed throughout his life.

In 1952, he and his older brother Avadis began building and preparing land for the family business, Pride’s Corner Drive-In Movie Theater in Westbrook. They were nearing completion when their younger brother joined them. Tevanian Brothers/Pride’s Corner Drive-in opened in 1953 with different family members managing it over the years.

August 5, 1967, he married Thelma M. Wooster. John and his wife bought the Bridgton Drive-In Theater in 1971 and, at one time, he also leased the Kennebunk Drive-In and Windham Drive-In. This was a wonderful summer occupation for a teacher. He enjoyed the many patrons and friends who visited each summer as well as the movies themselves.

John was always interested in sports, playing on teams while a youth and at Portland High. He was an avid handball player into his late fifties. For many years he oversaw ticket sales at all Portland High School football, basketball, and hockey games. Baseball and soccer games were also supported. He was especially active the years his children played, supporting them and the teams they participated on.

John is survived by his wife, Thelma W. Tevanian; their sons, John S. Tevanian of Naples, Andrew B. Tevanian of Portland, Jeffrey P. Tevanian and his wife Anita of Falmouth; daughter Dr. Jennifer L. Travis and her husband Jared of Marietta, Ga.; his sister Rose Avedisian of Methuen, Mass.; grandsons Orion, Samuel and Maximus; and granddaughter Sophia.

Special thanks to the residents and staff of the Maine Veterans’ Home in Scarborough.

Visitation was held on Sunday, July 30, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and on Monday, July 31 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland. A Memorial Service was held at 12 noon, and was followed by burial at Forest City Cemetery in Portland.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Portland, 277 Cumberland Ave., Portland, ME 04101, or the Animal Rescue League, 217 Landing Road, Westbrook, ME 04092..