Obituary: George J. Assad

George J. Assad, 83 of Danbury, husband of the late Joan (Tahan) Assad died on Monday surrounded by his loving family at Maplewood of Newtown after a dignified battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

George was born in Danbury, January 3, 1929, a son of the late Charles and Anna (Gabriel) Assad and attended local schools and graduated from Becker Business College, Worcester, MA.

He enlisted in the United States Army and served for two years during the Korean War.  The stories he told of the war always brought tears to his eyes.  Upon his honorable discharge, George returned home to care for his family after his father’s passing.

In 1953, George married the love of his life, the former Joan Tahan.  During their marriage, George worked several jobs and then became an insurance salesman for John Hancock Insurance Company. A career of thirty-five years.

After his retirement, George worked side by side with his son and daughter-in-law in their family owned business.

He was an avid poker player and well known for his playing skills.

George was an amazing human being who put his love for family above all else.  Upon the sudden death of their daughter in 1978, he was the rock that held his family together.  He was always there to lend a hand to anyone who needed it.  His first words every single day were “Do you need anything?”

Mr. Assad was a lifelong member of St. Anthony Maronite Catholic Parish, the Catholic War Veterans and the Lebanon-American Club all of Danbury.

A loving father, father in law, grandfather and great grandfather amongst his many family relationships, he is survived by his proud son, George Assad and his wife, Ellen of Brookfield; granddaughters, Emily Assad and Michelle McDonald and her husband, David; great grandchildren, Audrey McDonald, David McDonald and James McDonald; a sister, Rose Castle; an aunt, Sadie Gabriel; cousins, Delores Gabriel and Gloria Assad as well as several beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, wife and daughter, George was predeceased by a brother, Joseph Assad and by a sister, Josephine Stavola.

The Liturgy of the Resurrection will take place on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in St. Anthony Maronite Catholic Church, 17 Granville Ave., Danbury.

Interment will take place in St. Peter Cemetery, Danbury at the direction of the family.

The family will receive friends in the Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, 9-11 Granville Ave., Danbury on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m.

Contributions in Mr. Assad’s memory and honor may be made to Regional Hospice and Home Care of Western CT, 405 Main St., Danbury 06810 or to St. Anthony Church Building and Repair Fund, 17 Granville Ave., Danbury 06810.