Joseph Garius Arab

Arab, Joseph Garius, Halifax – It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joseph Garius Arab, age 92, who passed away peacefully at home on October 11, 2014, surrounded and embraced by his loving family. He is predeceased by his parents Garius and Martha Arab, brother Rashid who passed away in childhood and nephew Garius Farrah.

Joseph was born on Christmas Day in 1921, in Diman, North Lebanon. The eldest of six siblings, he assumed great responsibility for his family from an early age while his father worked abroad for almost 15 years in Canada during the Great Depression. As a young man he had a strong affinity for mathematics and engineering which helped shape his early career as a teacher and in later years as a property developer and entrepreneur. In the footsteps of his father, he and his family immigrated to Halifax in 1949, arriving on the ship Italia through Pier 21. Together with Said – his brother, lifelong business partner and best friend – they owned and operated the ABC Bargain Centre on Morris Street for over 35 years. Joseph and Said also owned and managed many properties in the Halifax-Dartmouth area and were among the early pioneers of the local Lebanese business community.

Joseph’s story is a testament to his deep faith, unending strength of character and integrity, qualities he developed through his lifelong devotion to God and his dedication to creating a better life for himself and the people he loved. As a teacher in Lebanon, he inspired his children to pursue higher education and supported them in achieving their professional goals. As a father, he instilled each of them with seeds of faith, the value of hard work and love of family. Through the example of how he lived his life, he taught them to believe in themselves and to fearlessly reach for their highest goals. He inspired them to embrace their Lebanese heritage but also to appreciate and value the Canadian culture they live in. Joseph will be remembered by many for his sharp mind, bright personality and his playful character often witnessed while playing backgammon, telling stories or reciting poetry. His 17 grandchildren will affectionately remember Easter Sunday egg contests which Jeddo seldom lost and countless happy times together laughing with their grandfather. Throughout life and perhaps most apparent in his final days Joseph was a role model for his family and friends, facing and embracing countless challenges with presence, humility, and a smile on his face. It may have been his unbounded faith, and his relationship with God which gave him the strength to live his life with such conviction and honor. There is no doubt the continuous presence of his wife and children, most notably his youngest son Joey, brought tremendous joy to his life and loving comfort in his hours of greatest need. Joseph remains an inspiration and beacon of hope to the individuals whose lives he has touched.

Joseph is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years Nohad (Traboulsi) and six children: Joffrette (Tony Francis and children Martine, Khalil, and Gizelle), Caroline (Brendan Carr and children Benjamin, Rebecca, Rachel, and Samuel), Jenine (Greg O’Malley and children Keelan, Brianna, Jessica and Zachary), Gregory (Cindy and children Sophia, Alexander and Olivia), Maya (Dave Fallows and children Nicholas, Thomas and Daniel) and Joseph Jr.. He is also survived by his brother Said (Therese), sisters Gladys (Noah Bassil), Beatrice (Joseph Yazbek) all of Halifax; sisters Florence (Elias Farrah) and Ayness (George Farrah) both of Hartford Connecticut; and 18 nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the many people who’s countless hours of compassionate care provided comfort and helped Joseph to stay at home over the past several years. Most notably Jasmine Saleco , staff of the Red Cross especially Tony Cummings, VON, Geriatricians and Continuing Care staff at Capital Health, the paramedic staff of EHS NS and Doctor Margaret Leighton.

Visitation will be held at the J. A. Snow Funeral Home 339 Lacewood Dr., Thursday October 16th, 2014 from 2pm till 4 pm and 7pm till 9pm. Funeral mass will be held at 10am Friday October 17th, 2014 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church 1725 Oxford Street. Donations may be made to Our Lady of Lebanon Church.

Joseph Arab Timeline

• Garius Arab born 1887 in Diman

• Married Halifax. 1910 (Ann Lasa)

• Move to Lebanon 1920

• Re-Married 1921 Martha Arab

• Joseph Arab born December 25th, 1921 in Diman

• Garius Arab moved to Halifax 1935

• Moved back to Lebanon 1947

• Whole Family moved to Halifax December 18th 1949,

• Joseph age 27

• Joseph travelled to Lebanon 1959

• Married Nohad Traboulsi Jan 22nd 1961

• Moved back to Halifax March 19th 1961

• Joffrette born Jan 30th 1962

• Caroline born Nov 30th 1963

• Joseph travelled to Lebanon 1964 with Beatrice and Gladys

• Jenine born Nov 23rd 1964

• Gregory born Nov 30th 1965

• Moved to Kline Street 1966

• Maya born July19th 1971

• Joey born Jan 8th 1978

• Moved to Shirley Street 1982

• Joseph travelled to Lebanon 1996 with Nohad, Caroline, Brendan and Maya

• Joseph travelled to Lebanon 2002 with Nohad

• Joseph travelled to Lebanon 2004 with Nohad

Giddo

Brianna O’Malley ~ Granddaughter

A loving husband and brother,

A dedicated father, grandfather, friend…

Your long and meaningful life

Has come to a gracious end.

You’re hardworking hands and devoted heart

Brought you great success,

You taught your children well,

Proudly saying; “My kids, they are the best!”

God knew how much you loved him

And He happily called your name.

We watched you slowly follow,

Never succumbing to your pain.

Giddo you have left us,

And though we do not want to say goodbye,

We know that you are watching,

Enjoying your glass of sherry in the sky.

.