Saad Ghiso

Saad was one of eight children born to Abdul-Ahad and Fadhela (Azooz) in Mosul, Iraq. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Baghdad and earned a Master of Civil Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1958. Saad spent nearly 25 years as a structural engineer for General Motors and was responsible for overseeing the expansion and replacement of GM factories. After his retirement, Saad started a small business designing and constructing residential homes in the metro Detroit area.

Saad loved to play backgammon and participated in local and national tournaments. He was also an active member of the Sts. Peter and Paul Syriac Orthodox Church and served on the board in a variety of capacities. Through the church, Saad volunteered his time to help Middle Eastern refugees and immigrants resettle and acclimate to life in the U.S.

Saad was preceded in death by his parents, seven siblings, and his son Dr. Neil Samuel Ghiso. He is survived by his wife Shirley, his two children, Alex (Luz), and Darren (Nadine) as well as his grandchildren Ago and Emmanuelle. A funeral service will be held Thursday, January 7th, at 11:00 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Syriac Orthodox Church located at 25566 Lahser Rd., Southfield, MI 48033, followed by a burial service.

Due to COVID and the family’s concern for everyone’s well-being, they encourage parishioners to join via this YouTube link. The family requests that any memorial tributes be made in the form of charitable donations to the Good Samaritan Fund of Sts. Peter and Paul Church.