Born: February 25, 1937 - Deceased: December 24, 2019
Dickran Sarkis Vartanian, 82, of Belleville, Illinois, passed away at Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2019. Dick was born on Feb. 25, 1937, in East St. Louis, Illinois, the first-generation son of proud Armenian immigrants — the late Sarkis and Nevart (Arslanian) Vartanian. He married Zabelle Ann Norsigian on Aug. 16, 1964, at Holy Shoghagat Armenian Church in East St. Louis.
Dick graduated from East St. Louis Senior High School and then DePauw University, which he attended on a football and baseball scholarship. While there, he was named to the all-conference baseball team as a catcher and led DePauw in RBIs and hits during his sophomore year. After college, he entered the U.S. Army where he served in Special Services playing baseball at Ft. Hood, Texas, where his team won the 4th Army Championship, and he caught a no-hitter pitched by Pedro Sierra who was a standout in the Negro Leagues.
Upon completion of his tour of duty, Dick began his career as an agent for John Hancock Life Insurance Company where he worked for over 30 years. He won many awards, including being named John Hancock’s top agent in the Midwest Region. Dick was inducted into the elite John Hancock Field Vice Presidents Council, in recognition of the many years he earned invitations to annual Honors Clubs and Presidents Clubs across the country.
Dick was an avid history buff, with a primary interest in WWII. He followed all St. Louis professional sports teams with a passion, and continued his tenure as a catcher in the local Fountain of Youth league into his 40s. He also was a member of the Five Hyes bowling team for many years. In later years, he turned his focus to golf which he enjoyed with friends and relatives, especially his nephews. He derived great joy from participating in activities at the Holy Virgin Mary and Shoghagat Armenian Church as well as the Kings Point Sports Club. He was beloved for his unique sense of humor, perpetual smile, and humility.
Family was of the utmost importance to him. Dick is survived by his wife Zabelle, children Nicole Vartanian and Garen (Angela) Vartanian, and grandsons Zachary, Nicholas, and Aram Vartanian as well as numerous nephews, nieces, sisters-in-law, and brother-in-law.
Memorials: Memorials may be made to Holy Virgin Mary and Shoghagat Armenian Church.
Funeral: Funeral service to be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29, at Holy Virgin Mary and Shoghagat Armenian Church.
5 Comments
Sorry for your loss. You’re in my prayers
Zabelle, Nichole, and Garen (Angela), I was so sorry to learn this sad news of your husband’s/ dad’s passing. Dick was a kind man and always had a smile, usually with a witty greeting. I am praying for God’s Blessings for your strength and peace in days to come. Love, Kathy Marifian Zaring
Zabelle, Nicole and Garen,
We are so saddened to hear of Dick’s passing and extend our deepest sympathy to your family. Our memories of Dick will always be positive as we enjoyed our long relationship with Dick and your immediate family. His success in life and love of family are legacies which will endure. Please know your are in our family’s thoughts and prayers.
Vicky & Terry
Mrs. Vartanian,
It was only a few months ago I ran into you and met your dear husband. I am incredibly saddened to hear of his passing. I will be praying that God comforts you during this difficult time.
Oddly, my mother (whom you just met) graduated from East St. Louis too. They were/are both 82. Small world. My mom’s memory is poor, but when I asked her if she went to high school with a Vartanian, she said “sure, Dick Vartanian”. My mom is Esther May Casstevens. Amazing.
You are on my heart and in my prayers.
Joan Casstevens Krull
Good afternoon,
it’s with sorrow that I just read about the passing of Dick…..It just happened that a few days ago Don Porter and I , who were alongside with Dick stationed at Ft. Hood and played for the Tankers) were commenting about baseball in general and began reminiscing about the Tankers players and Dick’s name came . He said ..” Have you heard about any other players and ” Greek ” as we called Dick) was the first name mentioned ….. That bprompted me to start looking for guys addresses and of course ….Dick was the first one ….Very sadly I learned of his passing 4 years ago. Dick was my catcher….A pretty good pitch caller and was behind the plate when I pitched my almost perfect game….. Then I went into my baseball files and found an article written by the Ft. Hood Tankers talking about that game .
I would like to send the family a copy ….. Could you contact me at petesierrap@aol.com
Looking forward to hear from you