Sayer Sari Sawaged

Sayer Sari Sawaged (“Abu Khalid”), 87, esteemed patriarch of the Sawaged family, passed peacefully through the gates of Heaven on December 31, 2024, surrounded by his beloved wife, children, and grandchildren. He was born on March 10, 1937, in his family home in Shatana, Jordan, to Sari Aqeel Sawaged and Hanieh Sawaged.

Sayer grew up in his cherished hometown of Shatana, where he was known as the fastest runner in school—a distinction he carried with pride throughout his years. Whether racing through the village streets or playing in his father’s olive orchards, his boundless energy mirrored the passion for life that later shaped his dedication to family and work.

On October 26, 1962, Sayer married the love of his life, Badia Sawaged (née Nesheiwat), in St. Pius Catholic Church in Zarqa, Jordan. Together, they built a life defined by devotion, love, and unwavering commitment.

Sayer was a land surveyor in Jordan before emigrating to the United States in 1966 as a humble man with big dreams. Upon arriving in Jersey City, he began building a life for his family while extending a helping hand to others.

Sayer took immense pride in purchasing his first building in Jersey City, which housed apartments that became an early home for his wife and children, along with a neighborhood tavern, Sam’s Oasis, on the first floor. For dozens of extended family members and friends arriving in the United States from Jordan for the first time, these apartments served as a starting point for their journey toward building a new life in America, as Sayer generously offered them a place to stay. He was always ready to lend a helping hand, embodying his belief that you should never look down on someone unless you’re helping them up.

Over the years, Sayer became a self-made entrepreneur, owning Sam’s Oasis and Reservoir Deli & Liquors and earning his realty license. Known for his generosity, Sayer often helped customers and homeless persons in need, ensuring no one left hungry or without essentials. His kindness and generosity made Sayer a beloved figure in the community. His stores were more than just businesses—they were gathering places where friends and neighbors would stop by simply to greet him.

In 1986, Sayer fulfilled another dream by building his and his wife’s forever home in Secaucus, New Jersey. This home, crafted with love and devotion, was more than just brick and mortar; it became a sanctuary filled with laughter, warmth, and respect for everyone who walked through its doors. It was there that Sayer and his family celebrated life’s milestones, raised their children, and created cherished memories.

Sayer was also a proud member of Secaucus Hudson Lodge #72 of the Masonic Order, where he upheld the values of integrity and service. While embracing the opportunities and freedoms of the United States, he carried a deep love for his homeland, Jordan, honoring its traditions and instilling its values in his family and community.

Sayer’s greatest joys were rooted in his family. Above all, he was a devoted husband, a selfless father, and a loving grandfather and great-grandfather who always placed his family’s well-being above all else. He made his children’s education his top priority, tirelessly ensuring they had access to quality schools, resources, and guidance. He often reminded them that education was the key to opportunity, instilling values of perseverance and hard work. His unwavering support and belief in their potential laid the foundation for their success in life. Sayer also cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren, going to church each Sunday with his wife, fishing, and creating cherished memories down the shore, treasuring every moment with the family he worked so hard to nurture and support.

Sayer is survived by his beloved wife, Badia, his six children, eleven grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter:

Manal Abuhouran (Adham, deceased) and their children, Zaid, Jasmin, and Dr. Jeris (Mary, and their daughter Faith);

Maranda Ashkar (Kamil) and their children, Dr. Remi and Breeana;

Dr. Khalid Sawaged (Nancy) and their sons, Sayer and George;

Raied Sawaged;

Sari Sawaged (Rita) and their daughter, Scarlett; and

Joann Haddad (Shallan) and their children, Alexandra, George, and Juliana.

Visitation for Sayer Sawaged will be held on Thursday, January 2, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Mack Memorial Home, located at 1245 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus, NJ.

A funeral service will take place on Friday, January 3, at 10:30 AM at Saint Ann’s Melkite Catholic Church, 802 Rifle Camp Road, Woodland Park, NJ. Following the Mass, Sayer will be escorted to his final resting place at Holy Cross Mausoleum in North Arlington, NJ.

Memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 5, at 11:30 AM at Saint Ann’s Melkite Catholic Church, 802 Rifle Camp Road, Woodland Park, NJ.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may Your eternal light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace and rise in eternal glory through the mercy of God. Amen.