Matti Andria Kassir

Matti Andria Kassir passed away after a long and happy life in his Towson, Maryland home on February 15, th 2024. Remarkably, it was just 6 days after the passing of his beloved wife of 74 years, Lillian. He would have been 100 years young on June 29th of this year.

Matti was the second in line of four children. He was born on June 29, th 1924 in Mosul, Iraq to Andria and Noria (nee Jallo) Kassir. Matti graduated in the top 1% of his class from a college in Bagdad, Iraq where he was a Civil Engineering major. In 1947, he was granted permission to continue his education in the United States and accepted the opportunity to study at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. After applying to immigration to work for practical experience, Matti secured a job with Ganett, Fleming and Carpenter Consultant Engineers, located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He became a resident of Maryland after taking a position with the engineering firm of Green and Associates. Matti was later employed for close to 30 years in Baltimore County, Maryland and advanced to become the Director of Roads and Bridges before retiring.

While accompanying his uncle, who was visiting friends in Springfield, Massachusetts, Matti met Lillian Kuselias. They married in 1950. In 1954, Matti was successful in obtaining permanent residency and became a United States citizen. Throughout his years, Matti was a founding father of the Syrian/Greek Orthodox Church and was active in his local Episcopal church, the American Arabic/Syrian Club, the Rockville Bowling League and the Maryland Athletic Club.

Matti enjoyed following the ups and downs of the stock market. What gave him the most joy was his family. Matti was tremendously proud of his family and made great efforts to be with them, especially when it involved eating crabs.

Matti will join his wife Lillian in heaven. He is survived by his five children, Diana Lynn Kassir, Matthew Mark Kassir (Olga), Joanne Kassir O'Donnell (Dan), John Edward Kassir (Vanessa), and Timothy Luke Kassir (Cary); his eight grandchildren, Samantha Trail (Michael), Emily Kassir, Alex Johnson (Chris), Danny O'Donnell, Michael O'Donnell (Janie), Charles Kassir (Lauren), Natalie Kassir, and Curtis Kassir; and his four great-granddaughters, Lana Trail, Bridget Trail, Kira Lillian Johnson and Avery Johnson. Matti is also preceded in death by his parents, Andria and Noria Kassir, his brothers, Albert Kassir and Thabit Kassir and his sister, Alia Kassir.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Lillian's memory to the Alzheimer's Association, 502 Washington Avenue, Suite 300, Towson, Maryland 21204 or act.alz.org.