OBITUARY
Fr. Francis Jobe Abbass
February 3, 1931 – January 24, 2019
Father Francis Jobe Abbass, son of the late Jobe Tanus Abbass and Lily (Khattar) Abbass of Sydney, Nova Scotia passed away on January 24, 2019, at Saint Mary’s Parish, East Bay, Nova Scotia where he has served as Parish Priest since 1990.
Born on February 3, 1931, Father Frank was educated in Sydney, attending Saint Joseph School and Sydney Academy. After graduating from St. Francis Xavier in 1951 he attended Holy Heart Seminary in Halifax and was ordained to the priesthood in 1955.
From Sydney Academy; to St. F.X. University: to Holy Heart Seminary in Halifax: to studying and receiving an M.A. in religious Education from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.; to studying at Lumen Vitae in Brussels; to a sabbatical tour that took him to London, Switzerland, Nairobi and Beirut Lebanon; to attending as Canada’s English-speaking Representative at UNDA, the world conference of Catholic communicators in Quito, Ecuador, Father Frank was well prepared for his work in education and pastoral work.
Fr. Frank started as a Parish Priest at St. Pius X in Sydney Mines, where he organized the youth, directed a parish musical “The Dixie Minstrels” and helped build the St. Pius Recreational Park, which was opened by the most famous hockey player of the time, Rocket Richard. He served as Director of Religious Education for the Diocese of Antigonish, where he worked with 1100 teachers to renew Religious Education across the Diocese, establishing and conducting programs and seminars in Religious Education throughout the Maritimes. In 1963 Father Frank initiated and produced the televised Mass for Shut-ins, the longest running, religious TV program in Canada. He acted as Director of pastoral planning the Papal Visit to Canada in 1984 and served as Vocational Director for the Diocese of Antigonish. In 1990 he became Pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in East Bay, a role he lovingly carried out for over 30 years until his death. During his busy priesthood, Father Frank found time to be President of the Council of Association for the Mentally Challenged, to teach World Religions at the College of Cape Breton, to play a role in having the Canadian Catechism published; to put on teach-ins on religious education, to publish a newsletter ”Catechesis”, to organize a radio program “Catholic Accent”, bringing news to 14,000 listeners; to serve as advisor to Radio-Canada (French CBC) regarding religious broadcasting and to serve as the Chairman of the Children’s Broadcast Institute. Father Abbass has been a priest for 63 years, something to be celebrated. There has been a quality of “celebration” in all that Father Frank has done throughout his priesthood. Father Frank didn’t just administer the sacraments – he celebrated them with the people and made them more meaningful and spiritual for his particular participation. In gratitude we celebrate the completion this long and productive life.
Besides his parents Father Frank was predeceased by his brothers Joseph, Ferris, George and John and his sister Philomena Hanna. He is survived by brothers, Tony, Moncton, and Cyril, Toronto, and by his sisters Annie Hashem, Katherine Huskey, Sydney, Mary MacDonald, Victoria, BC and Sister Simone Abbass, Sydney. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews for whom he was Uncle Father Frank. Also left to mourn are the many cousins and relatives of the Lebanese community of Cape Breton.
Special gratitude is offered by the family to the people of St. Mary’s Parish who collaborated with and supported Father Frank throughout his years among them. He prided himself on being the oldest parish priest active in the diocese, a tribute to their loyalty to the parish community and its pastor.
Visitation will take place on Sunday afternoon, January 27, 2019 from 1 – 4 pm at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel, Sydney with a Vigil Service at St. Mary’s Church East Bay at 7:00 pm
Funeral mass will be celebrated by Bishop Brian Dunn at 2:00 pm on Monday January 28 at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Sydney River with a reception to follow. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery at a later date.
Donations requests are for the St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery Fund, 3944 East Bay Hwy, East Bay, NS B1J 1M5; CB Hospice Palliative Care Society or charity of choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.twcurry.com
FAMILY
- Jobe Tanus Abbass, Father (deceased)
- Lily (Khattar) Abbass, Mother (deceased)
- Joseph Abbass, Brother (deceased)
- Philomena Hanna, Sister (deceased)
- Ferris Abbass, Brother (deceased)
- George Abbass, Brother (deceased)
- John Abbass, Brother (deceased)
- Annie Hashem, Sister
- Mary MacDonald, Sister
- Tony Abbass, Brother
- Katherine Huskey, Sister
- Sr. Simone Abbass, Sister
- Cyril Abbass, Brother
- Father Frank Abbass is also survived by his many nieces and nephews.
Learn more about the Abbass name
Services
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Visitation
Sunday, January 27, 2019
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Vigil
Sunday, January 27, 2019
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Funeral Mass
Monday, January 28, 2019
Memories
Fr. Francis Jobe Abbass
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYFrances Connell
January 28, 2019
To Sisters Simone and Lorraine and the Abbas Family,
Sincere sympathy to all of you on the passing of Father Frank Abbass.
Strong priest of God
Great son of Lebanon.
May his beautiful soul rest in the peace and light of Divine love.
Frances Connell
Miramichi, NB
Eileen and Peter Walsh
January 28, 2019
I was shocked and saddened to learn that Fr. Abbass had passed away. Fr. Frank was one of a group of special friends who were very close to my parents Helen and Kilmer Dunn from North Sydney. I have many fond memories of special gatherings and parties at my parents home, filled with story telling, laughter and always music. My parents always spoke so very highly of Fr. Frank and had great respect and love for him. May he rest in peace.
I am so sorry I am unable to attend his funeral this afternoon but send sincere condolences to his family and friends and the parishioners of St. Mary's in East Bay.
With sympathy and prayerful thoughts
Eileen and Peter Walsh
North Sydney
Theo MacIntosh
January 28, 2019
I spent my summers in Ben Eoin as a child and would attend East Bay Church. Father Abbass' sermons and mass were always pleasant and heartfelt. He'd sing in a heavy voice - in key - and shake your hand at the end of mass to send you on your way. I know my family has enjoyed his time of service over the years and I will miss knowing he is still here.
Jessie O'Keefe
January 27, 2019
To the Abbass Family....I am so sorry to hear about Father Frank's passing..He will be missed by many...You are all in my thoughts and prayers...Jessie O'Keefe
Layne,Joslynn,Adam and Megan White
January 27, 2019
We were sorry to hear of the passing of Father Abbass. He was such a gentleman and true believer of community and what it means to be supportive to others. We always enjoyed when he would stop by for a cup of tea and a chat. Our condolences to his family and friends.May he rest in peace and be remembered for all the great things he did to make this world a better place.
Bill, Joyce & Kurt Hudson
January 27, 2019
Rest now Father, Thank you!
John MacMillan
January 26, 2019
Sincerest condolences to the
Abbass family
Donna Tomie
January 26, 2019
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Fr. Frank. My mother (Naphie) always enjoyed that they shared the same birthday and would be able to greet each other with a "Happy Birthday & same to you" Personal memories such as these, along with all he accomplished throughout his life of service, will ensure he lives on in the hearts of many. My love and prayers are will all of my extended family.
Michael Mac Innis
January 26, 2019
Our deepest sympathy to the Abbass family on the loss of Father Frank Abbass who will be ever missed and loved by the people of East Bay ! God bless him . Michael Mac Innis ( Altar Server) Hector ( Donnie ) Mac Mullin ( Altar Reader )
Fred & Mary Martin
January 26, 2019
Fr Abbass Definitely Made A Difference And Will Leave A Lasting Impression . We Were Friends Since Childhood
Our Condolences To His Family And Friends
Fred & Mary Martin
Edward Smrt
January 26, 2019
My condolences to the Abbass Family. What a wonderful life he lived! I remember him on one of my trips to Canada. We talked a lot about our experiences and goals. Fabulous conversation! And we watched the landing on the moon and Sesame Street together. Lots of love!
Marlene Libbus
January 26, 2019
My sympathy to the Abbass family. I have a lot of childhood memories of Fr. Frank when we all lived on Douglas St., Sydney. I also remember the day he was ordained and the joy he felt living his vocation. Rest in peace.
Marlene Libbus and family
Dolores Mitchell
January 26, 2019
Simone and family, I offer my sincere condolences to you. Cherish the memories and thoughts
Dolores Mitchell
The Gouthros
January 26, 2019
Father Abbass was such a wonderful priest. His kindness and compassionate, loving presence will always remain with our family. We will always remember how proud he was of the youth and children of the Parish. He invested greatly in the Religious Education program and consistently made a point to talk to each child. Our son Archie was introduced to the Parish by him and He was always amused by the antics of our 4 year old. He had a great sense of humour and will be greatly missed!! Heaven has gained an amazing man!
Sincerely,
The Gouthros
Ron Forgeron
January 26, 2019
Rest in Peace Frank. Your counsel and support in earlier times is always appreciated.
Melissa Mizrachi
January 26, 2019
Father Frank, married my parents, baptized me and buried my dear mother, his cousin Melinda. I remember meeting the archbishop of Lebanon at an event in Halifax who remembered attending my grandparents home in the 70’s ( Abe and Ebe Abbas’s) where he was introduced to my grandmother’s cooking by father frank who apparently visted often for some good Italian meals. A remarkable man. Rest In Peace father frank.
Leo Gillis
January 26, 2019
Sincere condolences to the Abbass family & the East Bay Community whom he served so diligently.
A life well-lived – he truly made a difference and will leave a lasting impression. In a world of constant change, Father Abbass' steady & familiar presence will certainly be missed in East Bay and the greater community. RIP
Leo Gillis, East Bay & Stellarton, NS
Catherine Penman
January 26, 2019
Our sincere prayers and condolences are extended to the Abbas family. I am so sorry that we will.not be able to attend the wake or funeral because we have are mourning the loss of Byron’s mother Anna Dolores Penman.who passed away the same day as Father Frank. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family’
Catherine,,Byron,Jillian and Nathan Penman
Kay VIEARA
January 26, 2019
My deepest sympathy to the Abbass family Fr. Abbass was a dedicated and wonderful pastor.
During the last five years he was there for support during the loss of our mother and older sister. I just feel terrible that I am out of the country at this time..My prayers are with the family.
Donald Hillier
January 26, 2019
I met father Abbass as a kid on lorway ave at the abbases his brothers home and later in my 30s he councelled me on different topics . RIP father abbass you will be missed by many besides myself !!!
Marcie Shwery-Stanley
January 25, 2019
Father Frank gave my Mom, Eva (Rahey) Shwery her last rights 7 years ago during her last days with us & also gave the Homily at her service . Father Frank spent a number of years in Lebanon & while recovering from a land mine explosion was visited by my Aunt Marie (Rahey) Kasouf ( who lived in Zahle, Lebanon) on more than one occasion—he always spoke fondly of his time in Lebanon & he was always very proud of his Lebanese Heritage! Rest In Peace, Father Frank!
David & Susan Jamael Shipp
January 25, 2019
From Calgary Alberta - we are so sorry to hear of Father Abbass passing. Our Condolences to Family and friends.
David & Susan Jamael Shipp
Sally LeBlanc
January 25, 2019
We would like express our sincere condolences on the passing of Father Francis J. Abbass. He will always be remembered fondly by all as a kind and compassionate pastor. Much love is sent to his family and friends at this tender time.
Sincerely,
Sadie McIntyre, and family, Cindy Tiller, Sally McIntyre-LeBlanc and Robert McIntyre, Northside East Bay, NS
Irene Lefort
January 25, 2019
Sincere sympathy to Father Abbass ' family and the people of St. Mary's Parish on the loss of a good man, a dedicated priest, a faithful servant. He was a schoolmate and very good friend of my brother, Bernard MacDonald who passed away in Ontario last winter.
May he rest in peace.
Irene (MacDonald) Lefort. Formerly of East Bay, now living in Antigonish.