Joseph Abdo Zaidan

Joseph George Abdo Zaidan was born November 29, 1931 to George Zaidan and Warde (Rose) (Habib) Zaidan, in Bo, Sierra Leone, West Africa. Joseph married Juliette Veronica Garnem on July 3, 1955. To their union, four boys were born.

He and his family moved to the Spanish Canary Islands when he was four years old, grew up there and moved back to Sierra Leone when he was around twenty four years old. In Spain, he played soccer, learned to sing and play guitar and play in bands. He was well known for his beautiful singing voice. He spoke much of his love for his life in Spain. His love for his Spanish culture, life, and language remained with him throughout his life.

Joseph met Juliette shortly after moving back to Sierra Leone. Juliette was smitten by his Spanish charm and singing. Until the day of her death, she was happy and at peace when she heard him sing. They became husband and wife even though they hardly spoke the same language, remained together for 69 years, and parted in death only 49 hours apart.

In 1975, Joseph immigrated to the United States with his sons to join his wife Juliette who arrived one year prior. With the help of family, Joe and Julie became owners of the beloved Max Barbeque in Cahaba Heights, Vestavia, Alabama. Joe and Julie were much loved by their customers and local Cahaba Heights community. Joseph was a humble man who worked tirelessly to build a home and provide for his family. It was common for him to work from around 4:30 AM to 10 PM, seven days a week. They retired from running the restaurant in the year 2000.

Joseph was fun loving and always the life of the party. He loved to make new friends and tell jokes and sing and play guitar. Most family get-togethers and parties always included him singing to a group of people. He even had the honor of singing for Queen Elizabeth II at the celebration of Sierra Leone's independence in 1961.

Joseph is survived by his sons: George (Sonia) Zaidan, Leo Zaidan, Dominic (Shereen) Zaidan, Bernard Zaidan. Grandchildren: Michel (Jennifer) Zaidan, Melanie (Joseph) Mimassi, Melissa Zaidan, Rhianna (Benjamin) Zaidan May, Sierra Zaidan. Great-grandchildren: Marita Mimassi, Ambrose May. Aunt: Victoria Dillsworth (Habib). Cousins: Jennifer, Juliet, Jacinta, and Jane Habib.

Joseph followed his wife Juliette of 69 years, who died on March 19, 2024 and was preceded in death by both his parents.

Joseph passed in his home with his sons, daughter in law and granddaughter by his side on Thursday March 21, 2024, at 6 PM. The month of St. Joseph.

Funeral: Tuesday April 2, 2024. Visitation: 9:30-11 AM, Rosary: 11 AM, Funeral Mass: 11:30 AM. Mercy Meal: Following.

St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church: 836 8th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205.

Cards and letters may be mailed to: 4243 Milhaven Dr., Vestavia, AL 35243

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church.

205-251-5057

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