Nasri G. Sawaya

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Nasri Sawaya, who left us peacefully on 9/27/25 at the age of 91. He was one-half of a dynamic duo! At home or as a business man he was a beloved husband, loving father, a doting grandfather and loyal friend. Born on June 4, 1934 in Beirut, Lebanon, Nasri Sawaya (affectionately known as Nick) lived a life dedicated to his family. He met his beautiful wife, Najat (second-half of the duo) in 1964 and spent all their time together from that day on. They moved to Africa to run a family business in the Ivory coast and welcomed their first born, Gisele. After returning to Lebanon, they had their second child, George, soon after his life was disrupted with war and turmoil in his beloved country. He immigrated with his wife and two small children to the United States from Lebanon, leaving everything behind. Leaving his home country required numerous sacrifices to provide a new life for his family, essentially starting life over to learn a new language, culture, and business. Working tirelessly to provide for his family, he always emphasized the importance of education to his children and grandchild, recognizing that it is something no one can ever take away from you. Nick and Najat ran a successful restaurant, Maryland Fried Chicken, for 40 years on Edgewater Dr. They had the best fried chicken and hot sauce and still to this day we meet people who drove long distances to eat at their restaurant. He was known for his unwavering kindness, generosity, thoughtfulness and gentle spirit that touched countless lives. Nasri Sawaya is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Najat Sawaya; his daughter, Gisele Bennett; and his son-in-law, Jay Bennett and his son, George Sawaya his daughter-in-law, Carolyn Sawaya and his cherished granddaughter, Nicolette Sawaya. He also leaves behind nephews and nieces living abroad in various countries. A Celebration of Life service will be held at DeGusipe Funeral Home located at 9001 N Orlando Ave Maitland , FL 32751 on 10/10/25 at 2:00 pm. Nick lived 91 amazing years and would have lived many more if it hadn't been for Cancer. So please consider, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Cancer Research Institute ( Donate to Cancer Immunotherapy Research - Cancer Research Institute ) or the American Cancer Society (Donate Today | The American Cancer Society) in his memory and to help others.