Peabody YMCA name honors Torigian

PEABODY – The Peabody-Lynnfield YMCA was renamed the Torigian Family YMCA on Sunday in honor of former mayor Peter Torigian and his love of all things Peabody.Family and friends gathered together in the warm fall sun at the Lynnfield Street facility for an outdoor dedication ceremony and picnic, and to recall favorite memories of the city’s longest-serving mayor.?There are many worthy reasons to name this building after Peter,” said Mayor Michael Bonfanti. “For his many years of outstanding public service, and his many, many accomplishments in public office. But the best reason is because Pete Torigian was all about family. Not only his immediate family, but the Peabody family and the community at large.”Torigian was elected mayor in 1979 and is credited with reshaping the city’s image.He became the face of the city for 23 years and served as co-chairman of the $8.5 million capital campaign to build the Lynnfield Street YMCA facility. Torigian died of cancer in 2004.?For many years I watched Pete perform his duties as mayor,” he said. “There was nothing phony about Pete Torigian. Everyone was part of his family.”His wife, Jacqueline said she was extremely honored and thanked all those who made the ceremony possible.?Peter would be very proud to see this,” she said. “The sad part is that he’s not here physically, but I know that he’s here in spirit.”Bruce McDonald said the renaming was a “long time coming.”?There are many, many people that really made this happen and it’s apropos,” he said. Recalling personal memories, Councilor-at-large David Gravel said he hopes that someday a young child will ask who Peter Torigian was so that he can explain his story.?Peter gave his heart to the city and promised to be a leader by his actions and not just words,” he said. “The memories of Peter will be here forever.”Since opening in 2007, the center has attracted over 11,000 members that live in Peabody, Lynnfield and Lynn.