Ara Mantarian, 88, a longtime resident of Irvington passed away on May 7, 2015. Born in Newburyport, MA, he was the son of the late Harry and Araxie Mantarian. Ara graduated from the University of New Hampshire. He then went on to Columbia University and received his Doctorate in Education. In 1958, Ara married his love Adelaide and moved to Irvington to start their life together. He was a teacher and retired as principal of the Middle School at The Children's Village in Dobbs Ferry. He also had a busy private practice until Nov. 2014. Dr. Mantarian was an innovator in the field of teaching techniques for use with learning disabled students. He invested much time helping parents to understand their children's learning difficulties and to work as part of the team addressing those challenges. Ara was an avid collector of early American pewter. He was a member of the New York State Teachers Association and of the Ardsley County Club. Ara will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife Adelaide, sister Mary Seigle, brothers Shant Helen Mantarian and George Jeanne Mantarian. Ara is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his youngest brother, Harry Mantarian, Jr. Mass of the Resurrection Wednesday 10:00am Church of the Immaculate Conception, Irvington. Visiting Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9pm Edwards-Dowdle Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Clear View School, 480 Albany Post Rd, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510 or to Opengate, 28 Warren St, Somers, NY 10589.