Born July 31, 1928, in Detroit, Mr. Mooradian graduated from Southwestern High School, where he was known for his academic achievements and his basketball prowess. Seeking adventure, his family said, he joined a group of Armenian repatriates and went to Soviet Armenia at the age of 19, playing basketball for the national team, coaching youth, and receiving a degree in education from the Institute of Physical Culture and Sports, Yerevan, Armenia.
Mr. Mooradian returned to Detroit in 1960, earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Wayne State University, before beginning his journalism career.
He married the love of his life and best friend Janice Marie (Taracks) on July 11, 1974, and the couple were the parents of two daughters.
Mr. Mooradian retired in 2005 and the couple relocated to Hubbard Lake, where he wrote his long-promised book, The Repatriate: Love, Basketball, and the KGB, which shared his experiences during his time in the Soviet Union. His work received seven book awards.
The couple traveled throughout the United States where he spoke about his Soviet ordeal.
Mr. Mooradian was preceded in death by his father Boghos, mother Dzovinar, brothers Robert (Popkin) and George (Krikor).
He is survived by his wife Janice; daughters Jennifer and Bethany; grandchildren Emerson, Elizabeth, and Auden; his sister Rose (Patrick) Torossian and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews, as well as a warm circle of dear friends. A family visitation is planned for 1 until 3 p.m. Thursday, July 11 in the library at the First Presbyterian Church of Alpena where Mr. Mooradian was a member. The family is planning a second visitation in the Detroit area later this summer.
