Farid Nicola Hawwa, woke up in the arms of Jesus on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at the age of 92. After several months of declining health, Farid has gone peacefully to his eternal rest with his beloved wife Nabila and 2 of his children by his side. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend.
Farid was the youngest of 4 siblings, born in Haifa on October 26, 1928, to father, Nicola Hawwa and mother, Hikmeh Hakim. He studied at the Collège des Frères in Haifa, and began his career working at the Iraq Petroleum Company (IPC). He emigrated with his family to Lebanon, where he met the woman of his dreams, Nabila. They got married on July 11, 1954 and had 5 children.
His true career pride was his job with the United Nations Works & Relief Agency (UNRWA), where he spent most of his time in Beirut, Lebanon and Vienna, Austria. In addition to his job, he started his own business selling children’s clothing, then opened a fabric store. In 1985, due to the civil war in Lebanon, he and his family were forced to emigrate once again to America, where he lived the “American Dream”. He settled in Jacksonville, Florida where he bought the two Peterson’s Five & Dime Stores in San Marco and Five Points. Farid was well respected and highly admired for his human touch and spirit. His soft demeanor, sense of humor, and love for his family and friends made him everyone’s favorite. He took extreme pride in his children and grandchildren and instilled in them strong values that have served them well. He was a devout Christian, a member of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, and a Knight Commander in the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch. He spent most of his weekends reading health magazines and gardening. You name a fruit tree and it’s in his backyard.
Farid was preceded in death by his parents and 3 siblings, Kaisar, Badih, and Leila. He is survived by his wife Nabila; children Hikmat Saoud (Edmond), Tawfik Hawwa (Olga), Rafik Hawwa (Lina), Chafic Hawa (Gidah), and Rana Choubah (Halim), and his 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
Visitation with family will be held at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 6300 Bowden Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32256 on Saturday, October 2, 2021 from 10:00 until 11:00 AM. A celebration of life and funeral service will follow starting at 11AM, with the Very Reverend Father Kamal Al-Rahil officiating. Farid will be laid to rest at the Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, Florida 32207. Memorial donations may be made to St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church.
Go forth from this world in the love of our Father who created you, the mercy of Jesus who died for you, and the power of the Holy Spirit who strengthens you.
Note: Due to Covid 19, facemasks covering nose & mouth are required to be worn, at all times, by all attendees during the services.
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