Elie Makhraz

MAKHRAZ Elie Makhraz, the beloved son of Nadia Moujali Makhraz and the late Sassine passed away at the young age of 47 early Sunday morning November 13, 2011. Although not certain, Elie's cause of death was a heart attack, which came as huge shock to both family and friends considering he was so young and lived a healthy lifestyle as a vegetarian. Born in Ashash, Lebanon on November 29, 1963 where he spent a majority of his childhood until he moved to Toronto, Canada in 1988 and spent five years there working in falafel shops. Although he loved Canada, Elie moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut to be with his mother and siblings in 1992 were he lived for the remainder of his life. During his time here in Connecticut he opened up his own restaurant, Original Falafel in New Haven, which he opened for two years. After selling the restaurant, he worked with his brother Pierre and helped him in his architecture business in his cabinet woodshop in Bridgeport. Survived by mother Nadia of Bridgeport, four brothers and two sister, Joe and wife Memo of Bridgeport, children: Nadia, Sassine and Rafael. Moufid and wife Aline of Fairfield, children: Sellie and Magalie. Pierre of Bridgeport. Victor of Bridgeport. Marriette of Bridgeport, Layla Sakakini and husband Imad of Trumbull, children: Samantha, John Paul, Nicole, and Anthony. To his nieces and nephews Elie was one of the kids because there was never a moment that they were not joking around or playing games when they were together. Elie was a phenomenal man with a big heart. He worked hard his whole life and lived a humble life. He was a loving man who cared for the well being of every person. He gained his tremendous love for others through his love for God and the saints, who he prayed to often as a strong believer and religious man. He loved to read newspapers, history articles and gain knowledge of all that is going around him. Moreover, he gave a lot, and expected nothing in return. Friends are invited to attend funeral services on Thursday, November 17, 2011 from 9 to 11am in St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, 5458 Park Avenue Bridgeport, CT 06604. followed by the rite of Burial commencing at 11am with interment at Lawncroft Burial Park, Fairfield, immediately following services. In lieu of flowers donations made be made to Blessed John Paul II Catholic Maronite Church, 52 North Broadway, White Plains, NY. 10603 or St. Nicholas Orthodox Church. For online condolences, to light a virtual candle, share a story or picture visit us at commercehillfh.com