John T. Massoud

Mr. John T. Massoud age 97, of Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Easter Sunday March 31, 2013 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center with his beloved family by his side.

He was the son of the late Tansa and Kamleh Dannawa Massoud and was educated in Lebanon and Utica schools. In Lebanon he met and married the "Love of His Life" Susan Rizik, on January 18, 1943, until Susan's passing on December 6, 2012. John was employed by the UticaCitySchool District for many years until his retirement.

Mr. Massoud preceded his family to Utica, by three years, where he worked to prepare for their arrival. In 1956, after a 29 day voyage from Lebanon, Susan and their five children joined him and lived in the new home in Utica. Until this day, this "happy home" was The "Family Headquarters."

The couple shared in a sixty nine year union filled with love and a strong devotion for each other and their family. John was a gentle and strong man who was not only a father of his own children, but a father to his siblings' children, as well as his own grandchildren. He was very active in all of their lives and led by example, living a compassionate and Godly life. He worked many hours maintaining two or more jobs at a time, to always provide for his family. He leaves a legacy that will continue for many years to come. John always had a song in his heart and a smile on his face.

He is survived by his five beloved children; John A. and Samira Massoud, Kamleh Tehan, Loretta and F. Eugene Romano all of New Hartford, Paul Massoud and Sandy Krajcik of Utica, Susan Issa of Utica; his cherished grandchildren, Lori and Kraig Forman, Victoria and Joseph Dussich II, Joseph Massoud, Ava Massoud, Louis and Lisa Tehan, David and Norma Tehan, Dr. Maria and Dr. James Jones, Patricia and William Virkler II, Paul and Stephanie Massoud, Dr. Adam and Marytheresa Massoud, Jonathan Massoud, Nadime Issa, and Prissilla Issa; and his adored great grandchildren, Matthew and Rachel Forman, Joseph III and Samira Dussich, Alissa, Andrea and Arica Tehan, Mary Magdalene and Robert Tehan, Angelina, Audrianna and James Jones II, William III and Alyssa Virkler, Marcus, Aden, Amira and Adam Massoud, one sister Massouda Tawil of Lebanon and his sister in-law Jamel Massoud of Marcy and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins, all of whom loved him very much; He was pre-deceased by a son, Anthony Massoud; a daughter, Sadie Massoud; his son-in-law, Robert Tehan, and several brothers and sisters.

His funeral will be held on Friday at 10:00 a.m. from The Scala & Roefaro Funeral Home, Inc. 1122 Culver Ave., and at 11:00 a.m. in St. Louis of Gonzaga Church, where the Divine Liturgy of the Faithful Departed will be celebrated by the Rev. Miled Greij. Private interment will be in CalvaryCemetery.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday from 5-8 pm. at the funeral home. The Prayer of Incense will be at 7:30 pm.

The family extends a special Thank You to Rev. Chorbishop John Faris and Rev. Miled Greij for their friendship, compassion and spiritual guidance given to John and his family.

Service

Friday, April 05 2013