Andre Gabriel Saliba

André Gabriel Saliba, 47, of Roanoke, Va., passed away Saturday, February 7, 2009. He was preceded in death by his father, Gabriel Saliba. Mr. Saliba was born October 10, 1961, in Beirut, Lebanon. He is survived by his wife, Donna; four children, Jessica Saliba, Jennifer Saliba, Brandon Saliba and Britney Saliba, all of Roanoke; mother, Saydi Melki Saliba, of Roanoke; brother, Maurice Saliba and wife, Nouna, of Roanoke; sisters, Marie Fayad and husband, Abdo, of Beirut, Lebanon, Madeline Sandum and husband, Paul, of Salem, Margo Jreije and husband, Joseph, of California, Amal Karkini and husband, Joseph, of New York, and Sonia Saliba, of Roanoke; nephews and nieces, Gaby Saliba, Ghada, Randa and Johnny Fayad, Joseph and Jonathan Jreije, George, Aline and Elie Karkini, Stephanie and Christine Sandum, Tina and Tyler Saliba; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and other friends. André was a beautiful person in and out. His smile was like sunshine, when he walked into a room, his presence couldn't be ignored. He had a heart of gold, an infectious laughter and an ever present sense of humor. André was a very loving and giving man. His affection touched every one he came in contact with. André will be greatly missed. Funeral Liturgy will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, February 12, 2009, at St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church with Father Hanna Maroutha officiating. Interment will follow at St. Andrew's Diocesan Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday with prayer service at 6 p.m. at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel, 540-982-2100.