William Michael Kabbash

KABBASH William Michael, 77, a lifelong resident of Clifton, passed into Eternal Rest suddenly on Saturday, August 2, 2008. Service to his country, community, church and family was the hallmark of William's life. He was the son of Michael and Lillian (Remieh) Kabbash, Clifton residents who immigrated from Syria in the early 20th century. He served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. William worked for the US postal Service for 25 years before retiring in 1991. He then worked as a crossing guard for the Clifton school system for the past 17 years. Bill is a 19 year member of the Clifton Special Police, a life member of VFW Post #139 in Paterson and a member of the DAV Chapter 2 in Clifton. He is also a 51 year member of Clifton Masonic Lodge # 203 . Perhaps nowhere was William more at home than in his church. He was an active member of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Little Falls since his childhood. For almost five decades, his beautiful tenor voice was an institution in the church choir. He is also a former member of the Parish Council. But to his family and close friends, William will be best remembered as a passionate gardener, a lover of the Jersey Shore, a masterful storyteller, a human encyclopedia of community history, and more that anything, a man of the purest heart. He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Olivia (Ballan) Kabbash, by his daughter Donna Starke and husband William, by his son, Michael and wife, Maha and by four grandchildren, Michael, Christopher James, Nicole and Ranya who love him and will miss him very much. He is predeceased by a brother, Albert Kabbash. Funeral services will be held 10 AM Wednesday at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 237 Long Hill Road, Little Falls followed by burial at Laurel Grove Cemetery. Visiting hours are Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the church. Memorial donations to the church are preferred by the family. Arrangements are by Allwood Funeral Home, Clifton. May his memory be eternal.