Elias Mikhael Kassis

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Elias Mikhael Kassis, who departed this life on June 29, 2025, at the age of 92. Born in Beit Jala, Palestine on November 03, 1932, Elias was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and the cherished patriarch of the Kassis family.

Elias was preceded in death by his parents, Mikhael and Jamileh Kassis, his brothers: Odeh Kassis, Saliba Kassis, George Kassis, Salem Kassis, and Andony Qassis, as well as his sisters: Regina Kassis, Maza Ghawaly, and Mariam Ghawaly. He was the last surviving sibling of his family—a role he embraced with strength, warmth, and unwavering dedication to those he loved.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Sara Kassis, and their loving children: sons, Johnny Kassis and George Kassis, and daughters, Sana Ghawaly, Sahara Langford, and Sereen Rivera; as well as son in laws, Kamal Ghawaly, Steve Langford, and Marcus Rivera, and daughter in laws, Belinda Kassis and Sonya Kassis. He was a proud grandfather to Amanda Ghawaly, Issa Ghawaly, Johnny Jr. Kassis, Andrew Kassis, Michael Kassis, Natalie Kassis, Cassaundra Kassis-Hughes, Ashley Kassis, Nicole Kassis, Maya Kassis, and Elias Kassis, and a treasured great-grandfather to Laurynn Kassis, Nicolas Kassis, Allyson Kassis, Madysonn Kassis, Maverick Kassis, Cyrus Ghawaly,, and Bellaluna Ghawaly.

He also leaves behind five step-grandchildren, Tammy Okhomina, Cindy Vaughn, Dmitri, Danna, and Delilah (Rivera), and eight step-grandchildren Imarhia, Arriana, Aliyah, Illana (Okhomina), Dominic, Brooklyn, Faith (Vaughn), and Amalia Puente.

Elias received his education at Bethlehem High School in the West Bank and went on to lead a fulfilling career in masonry construction working at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (كنيسة القيامة) in Jerusalem, West Bank, and later as a union worker and welder.

Elias found joy in the simple pleasures of life: playing cards—particularly the game “Hand”—with his family, enjoying a good game of backgammon, watching baseball and soccer, and tending lovingly to his yard and garden. These were more than pastimes; they were moments he used to bring people together and express his boundless love for his family.

Elias will be remembered as a loving and faithful husband, a selfless and hard-working father, and the monarch of the Kassis family. His love extended far beyond immediate family—nieces, nephews, and friends all found a father figure and a role model in him. His enduring presence was a cornerstone in the lives of many, offering guidance, laughter, and support to all who were fortunate enough to know him.

A visitation for Elias will be held Thursday, July 17, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Sunset North Funeral Home, 910 North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, TX 78232, with a rosary at 7:00 PM. A funeral mass will occur Friday, July 18, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 20523 Huebner Rd, San Antonio, TX 78258. A committal service will follow at 11:45 AM at Holy Cross Cemetery, 17501 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266.