Assaf "Tony" Trad Sr.

East Peoria—Assaf Trad, 90, of East Peoria died at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, July 30, 2011 at his home surrounded by family.

Born February 17, 1921 in Itoo, Lebanon to Antonios Khair Trad and Martha Slyman. He married Dalal Younes on February 10, 1941 in Itoo.

Surviving are two sons and three daughters; Alice (the late Charles Anthony),Tony (Loba) Trad, Leila (Abdullah Haifa) all of East Peoria; Pierre (Catherine)Trad of Edwards; and Siham (the late Yousef Younes) of East Peoria; 14 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

In death, he will be joining his parents; wife; two sisters (Wardiah Younes and Jamela Trad); one daughter, Marie Trad; two grandchildren (Cedra and Anthony Trad); and two son-in-laws (Charles Anthony and Yousef Younes).

He was a member of the Itoo Society of Peoria and an avid supporter and volunteer at the St. Sharbel Church and Food Festivals.

His passion was farming his land in Lebanon and he was a co-owner of a furniture store in Venezuela, South America before he moved to the U.S. in 1979. He was the co-founder of Aleece’s Pita’s Chips, worked at Anthony’s Tavern and Fon Du Lac Park District.

While living in the U.S, he went to each of his children’s homes to plant gardens. He used his hands and skills to teach his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the joy of his life, the art of gardening.

He looked at life as a gift from God and used every minute to the fullest. As a pillar of his community, a true Phoenician, he was strong in faith, gentle to all, humble and a hard worker. He was a strong, noble man with a kind heart. His faith was as strong as his handshake, which many will tell you were both quite strong.

Being skilled in many areas, prepared him to conquer and overcome challenges and obstacles. He was ambitious to get the job done so that he could begin his next project. Assaf challenged himself throughout his life in order to better himself and the people around him. He was the first that his family would call when something needed to be fixed.

He was a member of St. Sharbel Maronite Church in Peoria, where a funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 2, 2011. The Reverend Bashara Awada will officiate. Visitations will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, August 1, 2011 at the church and 30 minutes prior to the funeral mass on Tuesday, with recitation of the rosary and a Maronite service at 7:30 p.m. on Monday. Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton is in charge of arrangements.

Donations can be made to St Sharbel Church or St. Sarkis and Bakhous Church.

Online tributes and memorials may be made to www.woolsey-wilton.com.