Obituary of John Elie Nassif
John Nassif passed away peacefully with his family by his side, holding his hand on April 1, 2025 at the age of 78. He is survived by his loving wife Mona of 50 years, his son Nicholas, daughter-in-law Laura and daughter Jane. He was the proudest grandfather, ‘papa’, Jiddo, grandpa to his 3 grandchildren, Collin, Julia and Evan. He held deep love as an uncle to Nellie, her husband Neil and their two boys Aiden and Nevan. As well as brother Willam, his wife Oula, and their girls Tina and Melody.
John was born in Syria in 1946, and immigrated to Canada at the age 6. He and his family lived in Quebec for 23 years. Meeting Mona at the age of 18 years old they moved to St. Catharines in 1975 where they were married, had their children and where he continued to live until his passing.
John worked too hard in his life with a long and successful career of over 35 years starting in mining in Northern Quebec, and Pickle Lake Ontario followed by real estate and finally great success with his frozen food business The Meat Box. His goal throughout was always to provide and ensure a comfortable life for his family to prosper.
John loved to travel with family and friends having the opportunity to see numerous parts of the world within Europe, Caribbean, the UK, US and the Middle East. He loved to tell the stories of his life and recount memories. In particular he was delighted to recount this trip to Lebanon and Syria in 2010 where he had the opportunity to see where he was born, the church where his grandfather was a priest and indulge in traditional Middle Eastern food.
John enjoyed cooking for the family and eating with family and friends. He wanted to make everyone happy – with simplest things like tractor rides with the grandchildren, putting a grandchild to bed and coffee with friends. John’s legacy of the love and dedication to his family and welcoming open nature to friends will be truly missed.
A special thank you to Dr. Grada, Dr. Farooqi, Dr. Nolan and Dr. Hategan for their medical care and sincere kindness. The family would also like to express their gratitude to the many other doctors, nursing and support staff at Niagara Health Marotta Family Hospital for their dedicated support.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted with the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME 585 Carlton St. Catharines. Visitation will be held on Friday April 4 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM and 6:00 - 8:00 PM, vigil prayers at 3pm. Services will be held on Saturday April 5 at 11:00 AM at St. Katharine Greek Orthodox Church, 585 Niagara Street (and Linwell Road) St. Catharines followed by the burial at Victoria Lawn Cemetery.
If desired, donations in John’s memory can be made to St. Ignatius of Antioch Orthodox Church, St. Catharines.