Ferris Patrick Nassour

FERRIS PATRICK NASSOUR died unexpectedly in New York City on Wednesday, August 16, 2006. Ferris Nassour was born in Austin, Texas on September 17, 1922. His parents Abraham and Amelia Nassour who had emigrated from Lebanon were early founders of the vibrant Lebanese community in Austin. Ferris graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School where he was on the track team and was the star quarterback of the Austin Maroons Varsity football team, breaking a number of records. He attended St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas. Ferris Nassour met Jeanette Ferris, also Lebanese, while she was visiting from Poughkeepsie, New York. They were married in St Mary’s Cathedral in Austin on December 1, 1951. The next year Ferris and Jeanette founded the Cadeau, Austin’s elegant landmark gift shop located on the Drag. In the 1990’s, they opened a second location in Central Park. Both Ferris and Jeanette looked forward to frequent trips where they greatly enjoyed the theater, museums and fine dining. While New York City was one of their favorite places they enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Europe. Devoted to the arts, Ferris and Jeanette were members of the Austin Lyric Opera from its beginnings. They founded Director’s Circle of Austin Museum of Art. They were also benefactors of the College of Fine Arts, University of Texas at Austin. Ferris and Jeanette retained a deep affection for St. Edwards University and the University of Texas, supporting and participating in many of their cultural events. A devout Catholic, Ferris was a fourth degree Knight of Columbus. He was also a member of the Headliners Club, the University Club and the Knights of the Vine. His quiet strength, gentle manner, integrity and his complete devotion to his beloved wife will be missed by everyone who knew him. He was preceded in death by two sisters and three brothers. He is survived by his loving wife, Jeanette; his nephews, Michael Nassour, Joe Sab, Harvey Sab, and William Shean; niece, Mary Ellen Kelly and relatives living in Lebanon. Rosary will be 7:00 pm. Tuesday, August 22, 2006, Weed-Corley-Fish, 3125 N. Lamar, Austin, Texas. Funeral mass will be 10:00 am. on Wednesday, August 23, 2006, at St Mary’s Cathedral, 203 E 10th St., downtown Austin, Texas. Interment will be at Assumption Cemetery, 3650 S I H 35, St. Edwards University, Austin, Texas. Serving as pallbearers will be Harry Ullman, Harvey Sab, Steve James, Gordon King, Gilbert King and Bill Shean. Honorary pallbearers are Joe Sab, Peter Schram, Joe Matluc, Ed Baxter, Doyle Fellers, Terry Burnett and Frank Lively. If desired, memorial gifts may be made to the Alfred and Ellen King Fund of the Austin Lyric Opera. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com