George Kawam

Mr. George Kawam, age 74, of Utica, entered into eternal rest at home on July 4, 2009 after a long illness with his loving family by his side. He was born on June 7, 1935 in Lebanon, a son of the late Izzat and Naima (Kakaty) Kawam. He was raised in Aleppo, Syria. At the age of 16 he moved with his family to Caracas, Venezuela. On September 21, 1957, he was married to Renee Yvette Djekki, sharing a blessed, loving and devoted union of 51 years. George and Renee came to the US in 1966. George was a carpenter by trade and worked for several local kitchen contractors. He then began working at Mohawk Containers in New Hartford for over 21 years as a maintenance machinist until his retirement in 1994. He was the "go-to" person who knew the integral workings of the entire plant's machinery and operations and was heavily relied upon. He was a parishioner of St. Basil's Melkite Catholic Church and served on its Parish Council. He shared a friendship with Father Julien Eliane, always assisting and working as the church handyman whenever help was needed. George was a jovial, loving, compassionate and dedicated husband, father and grandfather, who always put his family first. He was an extremely hard worker, gifted handyman and meticulous craftsman who was always willing to help others. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a loving personality. A man of his word and of honor, he instilled the values of faith in God, honesty, integrity and hard work in his family. His favorite pastimes were spending time with his family, especially by the pool, playing backgammon, dominos and cards. He enjoyed his Arabic culture, and Syrian meals and music. He is survived by the love of his life, Renee; one son, Al Kawam of Florida; and four daughters, Naima Kawam, Betty and Michael Servatius, Margo and Dale Learnard, and Linda and David Hart, all of the Utica area. His adored grandchildren who loved their Giddo, Dr. Linda Kawam, Amanda Fanoun, Layla and Garrett Freeborn and David, Matthew and Jacob Hart; and several step-grandchildren from the Servatius and Learnard families. He is also survived by two brothers, Joseph Kawam and John Anthony Kawam; and two sisters, Nadia Casab and Bernadette Wojcik; his in-laws, Basil Tehan and Lorraine Kawam, all of the Utica area, Salvatore Djekki, George Djekki, Michael Djekki, and Loris Chuki of Caracas, Venezuela; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one sister, Bertha Tehan; one brother, Pierre Kawam; and a sister-in-law, Betty Kawam. The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to Drs. Gordon Fung, including his staff, Katrina and Gina; and Dr. Alicia DeTraglia and the staff of Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., for the compassion offered to George and his family during his illness. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. For those wishing to do so, memorial contributions in George's honor may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc.; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. George’s funeral service will commence on Wednesday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. Basil's Melkite Church where his Divine Liturgy will be celebrated. Entombment will take place in Calvary Mausoleum. "He will be sadly missed but will remain in our hearts forever."

George Kawam

June 7, 1935 - July 4, 2009