Sied Sadallah John Menem

Sied Menem passed away peacefully, Sunday, March 16th at home surrounded by family, friends and the presence of God. Si was born on January 8, 1944 at 1601 East Sixth Street, at the home of his grandparents, Naime and Bessie Menem, who were immigrants from Lebanon. He attended St. Mary's Cathedral School and St. Edwards High School. He was a natural-born businessman whose skills were honed working at the family's business, "Get It & Go" at 2501 East Sixth Street. In his youth he enjoyed breeding game chickens with his father. He met many lifelong friends in the process. Si, like his father, was always ready for a dice or card game. In 1963 Si married Bonnie Neal and they had three sons, Eddie, Jeffery and Charlie, who were his shining stars. Later he became a well respected car dealer who had a keen insight into people and vehicles. Two of his sons followed his path and are also in the business. Si loved to talk to people and was genuinely interest in them. This became so apparent his last few years as he would meet medical staff in and out of the hospital. They would inquire as to his health etc and he would continuously change the subject. Preferring to hear their "story," where they were from, particularly interest in their culture, religion and political views. He always amazed others with his knowledge in these areas. There were many things that Si enjoyed such as watching ball games, talking about history and politics, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter picnics, stopping off on his way home to eat BBQ at Smitty's, talking to his many friends, playing with his beloved dog, Taz and watching his cattle graze while sitting on his porch. Si was preceded in death by his mother, Elnora Simpson Menem; father, Sadallah Menem; brother and best friend, Jimmie Menem. He is survived by sons, Eddie Menem and wife Theresa, Jeffery Menem and Charlie Menem; grandchildren, Devon, Alec and Georgia Menem; sisters, Kileen Freitag and husband Boyce, Darlene Freitag and husband Brent, Bonnie Poli; numerous nieces; nephews; cousins; former wife, Bonnie Menem; and many others who will miss his wit, 'philosophy' and love of life. Honoring Si as pallbearers will be Sam Tannous, Sam Nassour, Cater Joseph, John Stockton, Tommy Mersch, Charlie Waller, Wallace Lundgren and Tony Pellegrino. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at Wilke-Clay-Fish Funeral Home. Mass of the Christian burial will be celebrated at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, 126 W. Oltorf. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Odyssey Health Care, 4201 Parmer Lane, Suite 100, Bldg. C., Austin, Texas 78727 or Ben Hur Shrine Transportation Fund, 7811 Rockwood Lane, Austin, Texas 78757.