John Milad Nisser

1926 - 2015

February 23, 1926 - December 22, 2015 John Milad Nisser was born in 1926 in the small village of Batroun, Lebanon. He had a brilliant mind and intense ambition for life. However after the death of his father when he was only 15 he needed to help support his family. He held a variety of odd jobs, then became a tutor to wealthy families and later worked for the British railroad as the payroll master. In 1947 circumstances dictated that he come to the US by way of South America to handle family financial affairs for the family. He became fluent in Arabic, French, Spanish and English. Eventually he arrived in California where at Our Lady of Mt. Lebanon Saint Peter Cathedral Maronite Catholic Church he was introduced to the Barhouse family, and met the love of his life Rosalie. He returned to Lebanon just long enough to explain his "intentions," then returned to California. They were married on September 25, 1949. During their early years of marriage, he realized he could accomplish more by starting his own business. His first venture was a small market in Bell Gardens, but after watching the growth of Southern California he believed his future belonged in the real estate market. Together he and Rosalie built and managed many apartment buildings, and later constructed and operated three senior citizen homes. A dedicated family man, anyone who knew John was aware of his love and devotion to his family and friends. A simple man, his joy in life came from being loyal, caring and assisting those in need. He would always say "The only reason we are put here on this Earth is to help one another." He was married to Rosalie for 49 years until her passing in 1999. He continually and generously gave to his church, both here and in Lebanon. In 2007, The City of Los Angeles and Our Lady of Mt. Lebanon Saint Peter Cathedral named him "Man of the Year" for his lifetime of giving and philanthropy. Besides his love of the church and God his greatest enjoyment came from having his children Alanna, Denise and Mary Lee, sons-in-law Jon and Bob and grandchildren Jennifer, Jonathan, Erik and Jacqueline and his extended family and friends by his side. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Newport Beach on January 22 at 11AM, with interment following at Pacific View Memorial Park Newport Beach.