Raymond J. Haddad

Raymond J. Haddad passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones at his home on Saturday, February 21, 2015. He was 82 years old. Born August 7, 1932, in Cambridge Massachusetts to parents Amin Kabalan and Emily Maria Haddad, Ray is survived by siblings Margarite Berenice Haddad Beaton and her 7 children, Celeste Beaton (Leah, Matthew, Sarah), Keith Beaton, Neil Beaton (Luke, Alana, Emily), Dean Beaton (Philip, Bryan, Stephanie), Janice B. Coronel Zegarra, Colleen Beaton, and Collette Beaton (Joseph Howard Dillon). Preceded in death by both his brother Albert George Haddad and his nephew, Albert Haddad Jr. Surviving nieces are Karin H. Tanaka (Maya), Mary Haddad and Beverly Blosser (Emily, Daniel). Ray was wed for 42 years to Nina Adele Erichson Haddad. Through this happy marriage, he gained 22 nieces and nephews and a multitude of great nieces and nephews. Raymond is remembered by many treasured, lifelong friends from his birthplace to homes in New York, Florida, Texas, and to his place of rest in Covington, Louisiana. A lifelong scholar, Ray graduated from St. John the Evangelist High School and Providence College in Rhode Island and a member of Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity. He graduated with Master Degrees in Philosophy and Public Administration and a doctorate in Education. He was a passionate educator and minister. He served in positions as academic counselor, professor of business and philosophy, and ten years as a Dominican priest. He was assistant pastor of St. Joseph's Church, Ponchatoula, Louisiana. Father Ray Haddad was Founder and Director of the St. Albert Chapel and Catholic Student Center, Southeastern Louisiana University. He was also a Federal Housing Specialist and Public Administrator for the Federal Housing Administration. He was sociable, thoughtful, and generous. He enjoyed fishing, cooking, and hosting dinners uniting family and friends. He was a great storyteller and a compassionate listener. He had an appreciation for nature and the outdoors, enjoying gardening, fishing, and outdoor sightseeing. He was quiet, contemplative and liked reading, learning, and discussion. Throughout his life, Ray gave generously to individuals and charitable causes. He kept in regular touch through visits, phone calls and writing to family and friends, who will always remember him as caring, supportive, and nurturing. Visitation will be Thursday, February 26, 2015, 8-10 AM at St. Albert's Chapel and Catholic Student Center, 409 Dakota St. Hammond. LA 70401 (Southeastern Louisiana University campus) followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 AM. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens (adjacent to E.J. Fielding Funeral Home), 2280 West 21st Ave, Covington, LA 70433. Family and friends are invited to return at 1:30 PM to the St. Albert Student Center for food and refreshments. All are welcome to attend any part of the celebration of life and farewell to Ray. The family would like to extend special thanks Donna Clark and Beverly Jacob for their loving care and assistance. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org). E.J. Fielding Funeral Home entrusted with the arrangements. Share a memory on the tribute wall at ejfieldingfh.com.