Emile Frank Skaff

Emile Frank Skaff, age 87, of Encino, California passed away on Tuesday, August 24, 2021. Emile was born November 6, 1933 in Charleston, West Virginia.

A viewing will occur Wednesday, September 8, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Pierce Brothers Valhalla, 10621 Victory Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91606. A graveside service will occur Wednesday, September 8, 2021 from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM at Pierce Brothers Valhalla, 10621 Victory Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91606.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at

www.piercebrothersvalhallamortuary.com for the Skaff family.

EMILE FRANK SKAFF, SR. November 6, 1933 Fell asleep in the Lord on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at age 87 (Pre-deceased) Nafie Saba & Adjage (Frank) Skaff Charleston, WV, Married Carrie Deeb on May 15, 1960,

pre-deceased by her death on March 25, 2009.

Children: Son- E. Frank Skaff, Jr., Daughter – Jocelyn A. Skaff

Grandchildren– Dylan DeSousa, Judah DeSousa

Step grandchildren- (3): Jonah, Sean, Megan

Godchildren- Patrick Turley, Alexandra Turley, Dr. Cindy Alberts- Carson

Siblings (2):Sisters– Wedad Mary Namay; Theodora Mae Tortolano

Brothers In Law (9)

Nieces and Nephews- (Mamma mia!)

EDUCATION: Graduated Los Angeles H.S. (1950); Columbia School of Radio

Broadcasting; UCLA School of Engineering and Applied Science

EMPLOYMENT: Southern California Edison, Lockheed-Martin (25 years )

AFFILIATIONS: St. Nicholas Cathedral, Los Angeles, CA – parishioner, St. Michael Church, Van Nuys, CA-founding member/parishoner Arab-American Society– Member,

President, UCLA Alumni Assoc., St. Ignatius of Antioch-Knight Commander, AM Shriners.

Before moving to California, the Skaff children attended Sunday School at the First Presbyterian Church of Charleston, WV, where 11 year-old Emile sang in the newly formed Boys’ Choir and was its first President.

The Skaff Family moved to Los Angeles, CA in June 9, 1946. They immediately became involved in the Arabic community, attending the St. George Orthodox Church at 36th & Gramercy Place. As plans evolved, they became founding members, actively supporting the building process of the planned St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox

Church (1948).

After graduating from Los Angeles High School (1950), Emile studied radio announcing at Columbia School of Radio Broadcasting. He was drafted (1956) during the Korean War and served in the U.S. Army stationed on Okinawa, honorably discharged.

Following his engagement to Carrie Deeb, they were married on May 15, 1960 in a unique double wedding ceremony with Carrie’s sister, Georgette and husband Gene Hapip at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church of Los Angeles.

His employment at Lockheed-Martin was in the “classified” Advanced Developments Projects/Special Technologies Dept., better known as “The Skunk Works”, developing stealth features on airplanes, notably the highly-secret F-117 Stealth Fighter plane and the B1.

Recognizing the need for expanding the Orthodox community in the greater Los Angeles area, Emile was instrumental in the movement to establish a new church in the San Fernando Valley, which came to fruition in 1967 with the purchase of property that became the St. Michael Church of Van Nuys. He served many years as a member of the Parish Council, and notably as its President.

Emile’s commitment to various charitable groups was notable in his efforts to raise thousands of dollars, especially for organizations within the Antiochian Orthodox Church (St. Michael Church Directory; St. Michael Golf Tournament); Arab-American Society (scholarships); and others. His many years of dedicated service, especially as an active member of the church community was exemplary, giving generously of his time, resources and fund-raising abilities. In honor of Carrie, Emile hosted an annual pancake breakfast at St Michaels with his dear friend John Apostolou, in support of the Sunday school.

Energetic and ebullient, kind and caring, he was (notoriously!) a passionate sports enthusiast. Never missing a local UCLA football or basketball game, he and Carrie also traveled nationwide to a every championship tournament. They are both sitting court side with Nell and John Wooden.

Dedicated and loyal husband and father, in between his various trips for work in the desert at Edward’s Airforce Base, he was going to baseball, judo, soccer, swimming, dance, tennis, skiing and let’s not forget, the shopping at Gemco, Fedco, Costco for all of the gatherings at the house for birthdays, graduations, Easter, weddings, baptisms, Thanksgiving, Christmas morning, caroling, tree decorating, New Year’s Eve, Ladies Guild, whist, poker, UCLA vs USC and Cousins party. Not to mention for all of the times various people would come over to eat whenever Nafie Skaff and Rose Deeb would

cook Arabic food in the kitchen. How did he do it? He had a great partner and a lot of love, patience and endurance.

Emile had a village. Living on the same block with multiple in laws, nieces and

nephews, he was the backbone of a large, loud and loving support system. Driver, shopper, handyman, counselor, photographer, videographer, storyteller, touma cheese maker and a great backgammon teacher. He was part of a larger community of family, friends and church which extended beyond the borders of Los Angeles and California.

World traveler, theatre, Hollywood Bowl, LA Phil, opera, museums and avid movie goer, he was a sophisticated gentleman who always went out of his way for others, never expecting anything in return.

Emile is pre deceased by his parents, Frank Nicholas Skaff, Nafie Saba Skaff, his wife Carrie Deeb Skaff and sister, Wedad Namey. He is survived by his children Jocelyn and Frank Skaff, 2 grandchildren Dylan and Judah, 3 stepchildren, Jonah, Sean and Megan, sister Theodora Mae Tortolano, God children and nieces and nephews.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Rest peacefully now in the tranquility of God’s heavenly kingdom. Memory eternal.