George Massoud

Mr. George Massoud, age 83, of Utica, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 5, 2011, surrounded by the love and support of his family. Born in Utica on October 28, 1928, George was the son of the late Joseph and Catherine (Nazick) Massoud. Raised and educated locally, he was a graduate of Utica Free Academy and furthered his studies at the Utica School of Applied Arts and Sciences graduating in 1950. He then attended Utica College of Syracuse University where he received a BS degree in Accounting in 1957. During all his years of schooling he was involved with academic clubs, sports teams, and social organizations. It was during the Korean War that George was drafted into the United States Army. He advanced to First Sergeant of Headquarters Company, 756th Railway Shop Battalion at the Army's Transportation Center, Fort Eustis, Virginia, the youngest to achieve this rank as a draftee. On August 22, 1964 he married his best friend, the former Janet Mozloom; they were devoted companions and confidantes, brought together by their Lord in a blessed marriage. George began his working life at the Bendix Corporation where he served as an Accounting Supervisor during his tenure of 31 years. Concurrently, he lovingly and generously participated in the legendary family concern, the iconic Massoud’s Oud Lounge, and also assisted in his brothers’ business enterprise, Massoud’s Tree Farm, Inc. Whether serving his family, his community, or his country, George was acknowledged for his attributes of honesty, integrity, hard work, and mentoring skills. He was a man who was admired and respected for his humility, kind heart, forgiving personality, and professionalism. He celebrated the successes of those he loved, as well as carrying them through their failures. He had a calming way of counseling and imparting his wise, heartfelt advice. He lived moderately and led by example. He was instrumental in establishing the hockey program at Notre Dame High School where he engrossed himself tirelessly in supporting wholeheartedly his son George and his nephews in their hockey endeavors. He embraced the efforts of his children and grandchildren with such enthusiasm and emotion at their events and performances. His family was the sole reason for his being, and he garnered such pride in their accomplishments. As a communicant of St. Louis Gonzaga Church, George was devout to the Maronite Rites, Liturgy, and tradition sharing membership in the Holy Name Society and Parish Council. Throughout the years he displayed his innate leadership serving on a vast number of committees and councils for many social and charitable events. Since 1982 he was a member of the American Heart Association and a poster person for Cardiac Rehabilitation. He harbored high expectations for his own recuperation and was an inspiration to many. A man of myriad means, George spoke Arabic fluently and had a fondness for Arabic music, and played drums performing with international Arabic talent. He had an affinity for the outdoors and for maintaining a beautiful annual vegetable garden from which his bountiful harvest was shared and gifted to family, friends, and neighbors. George also had a passion for pheasant hunting, deer hunting, and fishing; the countless hours he spent with his brothers, son, and grandson pursuing these activities defined his commitment to his family. In the serenity of the open sky he was able to be a best friend, teacher and the time spent and lessons learned during those years were the essence of his ability to connect with his family and where he blessed them with cherished memories of his smile. He was a member of Pheasants Forever and volunteered his time with the New York State/Rome Co-op Pheasant Program. The woods and fields will never be the same without him. And, of course, he was a die-hard fan of the New York Yankees. George is survived by his beloved wife, Janet; his son, George J. Massoud, Esq. and Jena Atkins of Utica; his daughters and son-in-law, Veronica J. Massoud of New Hartford, Catherine F. Massoud and Nicholas Angerosa of Utica, and Norma T. and David Tehan of New Hartford; and his grandchildren, Joseph A. Massoud, with whom his Jiddo shared a special and unique relationship; he was his hero and his father figure. George also shared a mutual adoration with his granddaughter and princess, Mary Magdalene Tehan, and his grandson and Yankee buddy, Robert D. Tehan. Also left to mourn are his sisters and brothers-in-law, Ann B. and Dr. Caleb A. George of Whitestown, and Catherine M. and Joseph Tamer of New Hartford; his brothers and sister-in-law, John A. Massoud of Utica, Joseph T. Massoud of New Hartford, and Anthony J. “Omar” and Judith (Kinney) Massoud of New Hartford; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, William F. Lafferty, Thomas Mozloom, Francis Mozloom, Marie and John “Nick” Barber, Gloria DeMarkis, Norma Mozloom, John “Jack” Mozloom, Jr.; his extended family with whom he shared grandchildren, Kamleh Tehan, and the late Robert Tehan; and the members of the Mazloom families. George was also blessed with many wonderful friendships throughout his life, with special mention of Sam, Ron, Hap, Tony, and Joey Acee; John Covel, John Rondinelli, Ross Kraft, all his buddies at the Vernon National Shooting Preserve, Rich and Roxanne Grimaldi, and the entire staff at the Boulevard Diner in Whitesboro. He was predeceased by his sisters and brother-in-law, Bernadette and James Davis, Jr., Edna T. Lafferty, and two infant siblings; his wife’s family who he considered his own, John and Teresa Mozloom, Vincent Mozloom, and Anna Joseph. The family expresses sincere appreciation to George’s physicians, Dr. Daniel Berg, Dr. Charles Eldredge, and Dr. Celesta Hunsicker --- all of these wonderful professional caregivers were outstanding in their medical specialties; the entire staff of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center for their compassion and attention; the staff of the Troy Household of the Masonic Care Community whom embraced George with love and sensitivity; and the personnel of Kunkel Ambulance for their efforts and empathy. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00-7:00 at St. Louis Gonzaga Church, 520 Rutger Street. The Prayer of Incense will be offered on Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. Those wishing to express an act of kindness may make a donation in George’s honor to St. Louis Gonzaga Church; envelopes will be available at the service. George’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday morning at 11:00 at St. Louis Gonzaga Church where the Divine Liturgy of the Faithful Departed will be celebrated by Chorbishop John D. Faris, Pastor. Committal prayers and military honors will take place in Christ Our Savior Chapel at Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Online tributes at: www.EannaceFuneralHome.com

George Massoud

October 28, 1928 - December 5, 2011