Twenty-nine-year-old Edward Ervanian became engaged two months ago to his longtime girlfriend, Stephanie Bowering of Warwick. The two were planning to wed May 22, 2004.

"Our son was a rare breed," his father, Edward C. Ervanian, told The Providence Journal. "He truly loved everyone."

The younger Edward Ervanian, of Cranston, worked at several Stop & Shop supermarkets before being appointed manager of the seafood department at the chain's Richmond store.

He had strong ties to the church, serving as a Eucharistic minister at St. Joseph's and also being active in youth organizations.

He didn't play sports, but was a walking statistician for every professional sport, including the Red Sox, the New England Patriots, and the Providence Bruins.

"My son lived by two books," his father said. "The Holy Bible and the sports section of the newspaper."