Joseph Abdallah Abi-Fadel

Joseph Abdallah Abi-Fadel passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 18, 2019. Born in Boxmaya, Lebanon on September 15, 1939, he was the 6th of 7 children of the late Hasneh Fares and Abdallah Georges Abi-Fadel. Joseph came to the United States in 1968 and placed his roots in the DC metropolitan area following in the footsteps of his brother Samir. A devoted family man, Joseph was a hard worker who helped to support his family back in Lebanon. Joseph married Francoise in December of 1985 and they started a family in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Joseph worked his entire life to provide for his family and friends, by constantly putting others first and was affectionately told he had a Heart of Gold by many.

Joseph started working at the age of 15 holding various positions throughout his lifetime to include waiter, restaurant manager, bar-tender, manager and other handyman/ambitious jobs to ensure his family was well provided. Joseph had a great sense of humor and was also a candid story-teller and had many stories from his career as the lead bartender of the National Democratic Club. His best stories include, shaking former President Bill Clinton’s hand, and being late to work thanks to former President Barack Obama’s motorcade. In addition to being a constant fixture at the National Democratic Club for 42 years, Joseph was also an entrepreneur and helped his brother Nadim open a restaurant in Lebanon. Naher el Jouz (River of Almonds) was a popular eatery until its closing a few years ago. Joseph also loved to garden, play backgammon, cook meals, and shop for antiques. Joseph’s lifelong dream was to retire to Lebanon with his wife.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife Francoise, his son, Gibran and daughter, Cynthia; his siblings Emilie and Nobel; and 12 Nieces and Nephews. Joseph is preceded in death by his parents and his four brothers Camillie, Nadim, Emile, and Samir.

The family of Joseph Abi-Fadel wishes to thank INOVA Alexandria Hospital, Virginia Hospital Center and Capital Caring for their loving care these past few weeks.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Joseph’s favorite charitable organization, the Lebanese Red Cross, American Red Cross or Our Lady of Lebanon (Check or Cash), 7237 15th Place NW, Washington, DC 20012: