It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our wonderful husband, father and grandfather at the age of 85. Beloved husband of Najwa (Sawaya) for 55 years. Loving father and father-in-law to George and Sophie, Andrew and Dannie, Gina and Tasso. Most cherished Jiddo to his prides and joys Nicholas, Philip, Joseph, William, and Gabriel. His nieces and nephews will remember their ‘ammo’ with fondness. He is pre-deceased by his parents, Ferris and Galia, and his siblings Hasibee, Khaylek, Theo, George and Mary.
He will be most remembered for his generosity, kindness, devotion to his community & church and his passion for his magnificent gardens.
Joe was born in Chebaa, Lebanon and emigrated to Montréal, Canada in 1957, where he worked hard to become an accomplished business man and went on to achieve admirable success with recognition as a pioneer in innovation to the garment industry. He enjoyed life to the fullest travelling extensively and spending much time with his wife at the home he adored on a quiet lake in the Laurentians. It was there that he built and lovingly maintained his large elaborate vegetable garden year after year. In the summer, it was never unusual for Joe to arrive at a neighbour or friends with a basket full of his garden’s pickings.
Joe was a devoted member of St-George Orthodox Church having served on the Parish Council and the church choir for many years, including a period as the choir president. He was a member of the Archdiocese board of trustees and of the Order of St-Ignatius where he served as local and regional chairperson. He dedicated himself to the foundation of Camp Transfiguration, the official summer camp for the Can-Am region. He embraced his heritage and demonstrated an everlasting love for his place of birth.
Joe’s good-natured caring outspokenness and his never-ending generosity endeared him to his family, friends and community. He will be forever missed.
His family is extremely grateful for the display of care and kindness by the nurses and doctors at St. Mary’s hospital.
The family will receive condolences on Thursday, May 11 from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 and on Friday May 12 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St George Antiochian Orthodox Church 555 rue Jean-Talon Est. Funeral service will take place at the church on Friday May 12 at 11 a. m. immediately followed by the burial.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St George Antiochian Orthodox Church www.saintgeorgemontreal.org or the Cedar’s Cancer Foundation at the MUHC www.cedars.ca.