Milad Mtonios Bitar, age 75, resident of Jacksonville, Florida, fell asleep with the Lord and entered into eternal life on October 5, 2018, after a courageous multi-year battle with heart and lung disease. Milad immigrated to the United States to pursue the American dream in 1969. He was born in Akkar, Lebanon on December 25, 1942. Milad married his wife Badia (Wehbe) Bitar in 1972. Following their wedding in Lebanon, they settled in central Massachusetts. Milad worked tirelessly for years to establish himself in the central Massachusetts area and sponsored the citizenship of several relatives from Lebanon for many years, sharing the opportunities for prosperity through drive and initiative with as many as he could. Milad pursued several career paths, from real estate to various self-employment ventures, until establishing Shannon Lake Enterprises in 1989, at which time he moved his family to the Jacksonville, Florida area. Milad was an honorable and giving man, living for God and family first. A selfless man who sacrificed for those he loved, Milad could always be counted upon to support family and friends alike, far and wide without borders or boundaries.
Milad is survived by his devoted wife of 45 years, Badia Bitar; loving children, Steve Bitar, Anita (Konstantine) Sayaf, and Simon (Missie) Bitar; cherished grandchildren, Kalista, Lily and Evan; sisters, Sara and Badra; brother Faraj; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family in the United States and Lebanon.
Visitation begins at 6:00pm with a Trisagion service commencing at 7:00pm on Tuesday, October 9th at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 6300 Bowden Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32216. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 10th at 10:00am at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, with the Very Reverend Archpriest Father Kamal Al-Rahil officiating.
Interment to follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32207. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church.
Please sign the guestbook at www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com
HARDAGE-GIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Blvd. is serving the family
