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Joseph Suckarieh Obituary
He was born July 19, 1944, to Gabriel Joseph and Claire Sarki Suckarieh in Damascus, Syria. He attended the University of Damascus, where he received his Medical Degree in 1969. He did his internship for General Surgery under the University of Cincinnati in 1969-1970, his General Surgery residency at University of Cincinnati in 1970-1976. He met Judy Carol Wilson in Cincinnati, Ohio, and they were married Feb. 27, 1976. They moved to Detroit Michigan where he did his Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Residency at Wayne State University between 1976-1978. He practiced in Lubbock, Texas, from 1978-1989. He became a U. S. Citizen in 1980. They moved to Midland in 1989, and he performed his first open heart surgical procedure at Midland Memorial Hospital. He was a member of the surgical team at the Heart Institute at Midland Memorial since it opened.
He was Board Certified in General Surgery, Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. He was a member of the American College of Surgeons, American College of Chest Physicians, American Board of Thoracic Surgery and Texas Medical Foundation. He was an active board member of Premier Family Care. He was board certified in Texas, Ohio, Michigan and New Mexico.
Dr. Suckarieh was very active in his church. He was a member of St. Stephen's Catholic Church and of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Dr. Suckarieh cherished the spiritual relationships he had with Monsignor James Bridges and Fr. Edward T. de Leon, O.M.I. He also considered them both very close friends.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Judy Suckarieh; his children, Jessica Suckarieh Weinzel and husband John Weinzel of Fort Drum, N.Y., Amy Suckarieh Gorham and husband Alan Gorham of Lubbock, Elizabeth Suckarieh and her companion James Hamilton of San Antonio, Nadia Suckarieh of Ft. Worth, Gabriel Joseph Suckarieh of Midland, Emily Suckarieh of Houston, Kiki and Topher of Midland; his sister, Jeanette Talamas and husband Nasri of Lubbock; his brother, George Suckarieh and wife Nancy of Cincinnati, Ohio; his grandchildren, Sidney Weinzel, Jordan Gorham and Willem Weinzel; and also numerous nieces and nephews.
A special thanks to the entire heart team and numerous physicians, nurses and hospital staff that worked on him on Saturday night and into the early Sunday morning hours. We will forever be grateful for your loving efforts.
Funeral services are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home, 801 Andrews Highway, Midland, Texas 79701 (432) 683-5555. Rosary will be held 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 5 at St. Stephen's Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be 1 pm. Wednesday, May 6 at St. Stephen's Catholic Church. Pallbearers will be Michael Zertuche, Nasri Talamas, Sammy Talamas, Alan Gorham, James Hamilton and Carmen Robledo.
Memorials may be sent to the American Heart Association 3205 Andrews Hwy, Suite 5 Midland Texas 79701.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Suckarieh
Sponsored by George Suckarieh.
John Russell RN
April 29, 2020
I always enjoyed working with Joe(Dr Suckarieh). At MCH in ICU his patients always seem to do well after heart surgery and when called for anything he was always pleasant to deal with. He was one of my favorites, a true physican. There aren't many like him.
Greg Sizemore
May 15, 2009
To the Family of Dr Suckarieh,
I am a personal friend and collegue of his brother, George, at the University of Cincinnati. While I have never met the man personally, I can tell by reading some of the entries he was a wonderful man. To George, his brother and our dear friend, Cindy and I extend our warmest and heartfelt condolences. You and Nancy as well as your brother's family will be in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. May the Spirit of the One who loved us and died for us, and in whose company Joseph now abides, comfort you and give you peace in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Greg and Cindy Sizemore
April Bryson
May 11, 2009
Dear Suckarieh family ~
This was truly a wonderful man. Dr Suckarieh performed a five bi-pass surgery on my mother in March of 2006 and my family will be forever greatful.
Be Blessed in knowing he is now resting in heaven after making it possible for so many to remain here on earth.
God Bless Your Family.
edouard feghali
May 7, 2009
Dear Judy and family, George, Nancy and jeanette.
Our sincere condoleances to all. Helen and I remembered Dr. Joe when he was in Cincinnati. We will offer our prayers for the repose of his soul and are sure he is resting in peace in heaven.
Linda Dickenson
May 7, 2009
To the family of Dr. Suckaarieh, I had the pleasure of meeting this great man only twice. My son had a heart monitor surgically removed. Just in these short visits we felt this dr's true care, concern and compassion for his patients. I was greatly saddened to hear of his passing. After reading the guest book entries he had this wonderful impression on many. My heartfelt prayers for his family. May God bless and give you strength and comfort.
May 7, 2009
Dear Judy & family,
George & Nancy & Jeanette
The loss of a beloved family member is one of the hardest experiences any of us
will ever go through. I encourage you through my experience not to dwell on the loss, but rather celebrate the wonderful man Joe was and how he touched
everyone's heart he came to know.
What beautiful & joyful memories the
Sarky family have of Joe when he was doing his residency in Cincinnati. Joe smile was always bigger than life and
he and George were always helping out at
church events and never missed Sunday
liturgies,
Blessings and peace to all the Suckariehs
Helen Sarky & family Cincinnati, OH
Leslie Martin
May 7, 2009
My condolences to the family of a great surgeon who saved my husband's life in June of 2008. He must have been a great husband, father, and grandfather because he was an awesome surgeon. The care he gave to my husband during a 5 way bypass at the age of 37-I will be forever greatful that he allowed me to still have a husband at the age of 35. May God bless you all during this time of your sudden loss.
May 7, 2009
we are so very sorry to hear about the loss of Dr. Suckarieh. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Jack and Sara Bow, Gus and Lope Lines
Alpine,Texas
Valerie and John Schlagal
May 7, 2009
Dr. Suckarieh saved the life of my son's father 10 years ago, doing 7 bypass grafts on his heart. Last October, he removed the cancerous portion of my husband's lung - saving his life as well. The Permian Basin lost a great man but heaven gained a wonderful angel. Dr. Joe was a kind and gentle man and it was obvious he cared very much for all his patients. It would be impossible to replace him. Our sincere sympathies go out to the Suckarieh family in this time of loss. May God fill your hearts with peace and give you comfort as you know that the instant Dr. Suckarieh's spirit was absent from his body, it was present with our Lord.
Sheila Scarbro
May 6, 2009
Dr. Suckarieh gave me a pacemaker in May 2003. It has made such a difference in my quality of life. I am so saddened to hear of his passing but so thankful to know he is in heaven.
Michelle Edelbrock RN, MSN
May 6, 2009
I was blessed with the pleasure of working with Dr. Suckarieh. His compassion for others was inspirational. I too would see him at St. Ann's in his scrubs. May you find comfort in the Lord that Dr. Suckarieh also sought for strength.
Deanna and Bill
May 6, 2009
Judy and Kids,
There are no words. I cannot imagine the loss you are all feeling. Dr. Joe was one of the finest men I ever met. He always lived his life for others. The love he had for his family was always there for everyone to see. The kids would see their Poppy and his face would just light up. He loved you all so very much. Judy, I know you have lost your soulmate. I will pray for your strength as you keep going forward for your family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
May 6, 2009
Our lives have been forever changed because of the aortic valve replacement surgery Dr. Suckarieh performed on my husband. His kind words and gentle spirit touched our family and helped us through the most fearful time in our families lives. We will be eternally grateful to him and his gift. He truly will be missed. We are so sorry for your loss. We just wanted you to know how his strength and skill affect us and so many others like us. God bless you. Donna Hendrix and family
Sandye Roark
May 6, 2009
To Dr. Suckarieh's Family,
I am a operating room RN who helped start the heart team at MMH. Dr. Suckarieh was a wonderful surgeon who was soft spoken and kind to everyone. I moved from Midland 8 years ago and when I think back on the many, many hours of hard work and laughter it warms my heart. In this time of sorrow may God bless your family.
Flora Taylor
May 6, 2009
Jessica,
My condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all in your time of grief. Love you, girl.
Dwayne Gregory
May 6, 2009
To the family of Dr. Suckarieh:
First of all, my deepest condolences to the family. I have never met Dr. Suckarieh, but was scheduled to have three procedures done by him on June 2nd. By reading some of the other entries, I missed meeting a wonderful person. My prayer is that God will place another well versed surgeon in my path to help heal my body. May the Lord bless you and keep you in His care during the days to come.
Chris & Marci Walker
May 6, 2009
Jessica,
We are truly sorry to hear of your loss. We will keep you and your family in our prayers. I am reminded of the words of Paul in II Tim 4:6-8 which says: For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Bettye & Willard Dellis
May 6, 2009
To the family of Dr. Suckarieh:
Our daughter was a patient of Dr. Suckarieh. She was in CCU in Midland in November 2008 suffering from Breast Cancer metastised to the lungs. He performed several procedures on her to try to relieve her breathing and get her off the ventilator. A few days before Thanksgiving, our daughter Kateva Doerfer pleaded with him to please perform a tractetomy because she felt that it would be her last Thanksgiving with her two daughters. He made a special effort to arrange a Saturday surgery to give her that opportunity. Because of his care and concern she was able to spend not only Thanksgiving but also Christmas and New Year's with her girls before leaving this world on Jan 7, 2009 to join her Jesus in heaven. He was an extra ordinary surgeon, and a very compasionate person. He will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with you at this time. We do understand and know the saddness you feel.
Donna Lewis
May 6, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Robert & Jessica (Padilla) Guzman
May 6, 2009
Jessica,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Keep your faith strong and know your dad is in a better place. Take care and know we are praying for you and your family.
Melissa Lujan
May 6, 2009
Mrs.Suckarieh and family,
I am sadden by the news, my condolences. If it weren't for Dr Suckarieh my mother in law would not be here today it been alittle over a yr since the open heart surgery. He will be greatly missed.
May 6, 2009
When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure. Our most sincere sympathy.
Guzman Family
Rita Jones-Ray
May 6, 2009
Mrs.Suckarieh and family,
Comfort for your broken heart will be my prayer for the family. I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Suckarieh, he also performed surgery on my grandmother about ten plus years ago. I will be forever greatful to him for his expertise in heart surgery. He was an outstanding surgeon and teacher. Our Heavenly Father will comfort you. GOD BLESS!!!
Nabil Ghabrial , MD
May 5, 2009
I had the pleasure of working with Dr Suckarieh and I was always impressed by his high moral standards. I am a cardiac anesthesiologist and work many cardiac surgeons and I always said if I ever needed a heart surgery I won't let anyone operate on me other than Dr Suckarieh.
He was a good doctor and a great man who passed from one life to another.
My deepest sympathy to his family and loved ones.
Angela Donham
May 5, 2009
To Jessica, Amy, Betsy and rest of family,
So sorry to hear of your fathers passing. My heart and prayers are with you in this time of need. In case you don't remember me we went to school together here in Odessa.
Angela Dunlap Donham
Frank Sablan
May 5, 2009
My condolences to the Suckarieh Family. The Permain Basin has lost a great surgeon. Dr. Suckarieh performed an unexpected open heart surgery on me and I am very grateful for him saving my life. He was very informative to my wife and family and very concerned an did an outstanding job. I too will always have the utmost respect and admiration for him. God Bless.
Lee Family
May 5, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Pam Neal-Floyd
May 5, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Suckarieh and family. Dr. Suckarieh removed a tumor from my heart in 1994 and 11 years operated on my dad. Dr. Suckarieh was an excellent surgeon. He will be missed by many many people.
martha duran
May 5, 2009
to the family of DR.SUCKARIEH you are all in our prayers. he was a intelligent man but most of all very caring and thoughtful.
Charles Hare
May 5, 2009
I am saddened byhis death. he and 2 other surgeons in midland on 4/19/1995--day of oklahoma bomb. I was a paramedic firefighter in Midland and was gunshot by SWAT team in the chest. his never say die attitude and his exceptional skill helped to save my life!! I'll never forget that he slept in my ccu room the night of the shooting, I case I needed another surgery. What a man!!!!!
I'll see him in heaven,
Charles Hare PA-C/Paramedic
Jeanna Cuny
May 5, 2009
Jessica and all the Suckarieh family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord hold you close to Him during this time.
Sabrina Gonzales
May 5, 2009
Sook,
To you and your family, I offer my deepest sympathy on your loss. My prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
He is in a better place and will be there to watch over all of you. Take care and call if you need anything!
Miguel and Veronica Ruiz
May 5, 2009
Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to the Suckarieh family. We feel very blessed to have been able to know him and his family personally. You all have been so kind and loving to our sister, Nena and her family, and we cherish that very much. The love you have shown to them is a reflection of the great family you are. Dr. Suckarieh will forever be in our hearts! We are here for you in this time of sorrow. God Bless You! (Nena's sister & brother-in-law)
The Hammer Family
May 5, 2009
We are very saddened by your loss. Our hearts and prayers go out to each of you. Dr. Suckarieh will be greatly missed. He was a great physician, friend, and believer in our Lord! May God Bless each of you during this sad time.
Carla
May 5, 2009
My deepest sympathy to the family of this amazing man! Dr. Suckarieh was not only a wonderful physician but a wonderful person! He and his talent will be greatly missed by so many! There are so many lives that has been touched by him and his kindness. May our Lord surround each of you in this time and may you feel the comfort and peace that only the Lord can provide! Many prayers for each of you.
Manuel & Mary Roman, Emily Erika Mando Munoz
May 5, 2009
We are so saddened by the loss of this wonderful man. He was a great heart surgeon with a very GREAT HEART. He will be greatly missed in the community but also in our family. My sister, Nena worked for him and we have had the great privilege of knowing him and each of you. He touched peoples lives in so many ways, and made them better for having known him. We feel so blessed for having the opportunity to know him and his family on a personal level. We will miss his warm and happy smile. You are all in our prayers, as we know God is the only one who will help you through this very difficult time. Dr. Suckarieh left you all with two very special gifts of love and faith. Those two gifts will be what helps you all through this time of sadness and in the future. (Nena's sister & brother-in-law)
Bella Vida Horne
May 5, 2009
Kiki and Topher, I am so sad to hear that your Poppy died. I know you will miss him very much. He is with Jesus now and you still have your Momma. I love you both and will be here for you when you want to play Barbies or watch Backyardigans with me.
Love, Bella Vida Horne (Nena's great-niece)
J. J., Crystal & Bella Vida Horne
May 5, 2009
Our deepest sympathy to the Suckarieh family. Dr. Suckarieh was a great man and a very caring surgeon. It is an honor to be able to say we knew him personally. My aunt Nena has worked for him for many years and we feel so blessed that we have been able to get to know his family too. All of you were so important to him and the love for each one of you was so apparent. May God Bless You all during this very difficult time of sorrow. (Nena's niece and nephew)
Ana Marie Zertuche
May 5, 2009
I am so sad that we lost our Great Dr. Suckarieh. My prayers and thoughts are with you. I will be there soon to hug each one of you. Thank you for sharing Dr. Suckarieh with me and my family. All of you are my family too and I will always cherish the memories I have of all of us together. Dr. Suckarieh is my role model. He believed in me and always told me there was no reason in the world that I could not make it to medical school. He has given me the best advice on how to pursue this goal. He kept encouraging me and those words are what keeps me focused. Just knowing Dr. Suckarieh was behind me gave me the motivation and perseverance I need to accomplish my dream. I know he will continue to be with me and never stop believing in me. Dr. Suckarieh, I will make you proud of me. I love you and will miss you very much. God Bless you all!
MS. BENNIE K. JOHNSON~
May 5, 2009
I Had The Privilege Of Working At (METHODIST HOSPITAL) Which Is Now Called (COVENANT HOSPITAL) When (DR. SUCKARIEH) Was A Surgeon In (Lubbock, Tx.) Many Years Ago. I Had No Doubt What An Honor His Patients And Colleagues Would Be Blessed With When My Family Moved To (Midland, Tx.) In (1993) And I Found That He Had Moved His Practice And Joined A Fine Surgical Team In (Midland). His Reputation Precedes Him And His Spirit, Kindness, Abilities, Love For Family, And Desire To Heal And Give People The Best Quality Of Life Not Only Through His Experience As A Surgeon, But A Man Of (GOD), Will Truly Leave A Mark In This World That Will Be Hard To Replace. I Embrace Prayer And Solitude In The Passing Of Your Devoted Colleague, Husband, Father, Sibling, Grandfather, Family Member, Friend And Associate. May (GOD) Bless You All And May The (COMFORTER) Give You Peace…Sincerely,
Michael, Nena, Ana, Laura & Michael Eric Zertuche
May 5, 2009
To Our Family Suckarieh, we love you dearly. We cannot begin to express the sadness and emptiness we are feeling along with each of you. We love you all so very much and want to thank you for sharing this wonderful man with us. We will miss him greatly. We had never known a man with such a loving and caring heart. He was a wonderful person to work for. He was so generous with his time and never turned away anyone who needed medical care, especially our grandmother, whose life he helped save. He touched our lives and the lives of so many people. Everyone who had the privilege of knowing him has been blessed. He brought us all together and we became a family. The great honor of being godparents to Kiki, Topher and Willem is another great blessing! Judy, we are here for you and know that you can continue to count on us to help you with anything you need. God Bless You and We Love You!
Rachel/Joe DelaCerda
May 5, 2009
Our love and prayers are with all his loved ones. He was a truly awesome example of human kindness. Dr. Suckarieh will be missed by many. Rest in Peace my friend.
Laurel Ainley
May 5, 2009
I am very sorry for your great loss. He was a great man. His memories will live on, in our hearts, forever. I hope and pray that peace will be brought, to our family, once more.
With my deepest condolences and all my love
Patty Urias
May 5, 2009
My sister Nena brought Dr. Suckarieh into our lives and we are the better for knowing him. He was such a beautiful kind soul and his love for his family, especially the grandbabies, just shone through his eyes.
He will be greatly missed.
Mary Richter, RN
May 5, 2009
Dr. Suckarieh was a very well respected surgeon, and treated all with compassion and concern. I enjoyed working with him in the early 1990's in caring for his patients in CCU at MMH. He also had a deep love for Our Lord, and I would often see him in his scrubs at Friday morning Mass at St. Ann's. I know that he touched many, many lives not only with his gifts as a surgeon, but also with his gentle kindness and love for his fellow man. My prayers are with your family as you grieve your great loss. May you find peace in knowing that he now rests in the arms of Our Lord, Jesus.
Carmen & Gloria Robledo
May 5, 2009
Our prayers, thoughts and deepest sympathy are with all of you during this very difficult time. Dr. Suckarieh was a great man with a Big Heart! We loved him so much. You all became family to us and we will always be here for each one of you. We will never forget Dr. Suckarieh for all he has done for us. The love he had for not only us but for our dear relatives that he helped when they were sick. He had a very special love for people and that made him the best doctor and surgeon we have ever known. He was also a great friend to us and we will cherish the memories we have of him for the rest of our lives. We are blessed for having the privilege of knowing him. May God continue to bless you through this time and for many years to come. (Nena's parents)
Michael & Ruby Robledo
May 5, 2009
Our deepest sympathy to all of the Suckarieh family. We are so saddened by the loss of this wonderful man. He was always so giving and willing to help. We will never forget the concern he had for us when Ruby was having problems with her leg. He helped heal her leg when no one else was able to. We will forever love him and never forget him. Each of you are in our prayers during this very hard time. (Nena's Brother and Sister-in-law)
Charles Choc Harris
May 5, 2009
Our Deepest Sympathies. He did my surgery on me in January and was a wonderful Doctor he will be missed
Fredia Pratt
May 5, 2009
May God Bless you and your family in this
time of sorrow. Dr. Suckarieh is very kind, gently, caring man and a great person to with. He will be deeply missed.
Carmen Ramirez
May 5, 2009
Dr. Suckarieh was such a great person, one who truly cared and respected every individual. There was an aura about him that people instantly trusted and felt at peace around him. May the memories you have bring peace to you and your family
Angie Contreras
May 5, 2009
Jessica, John and family of Dr Suckarieh, our prayers will be with you and your family. There are no words that can take the pain away, it's our faith and prayers that keep us going on one day at a time, I can say this as I lost my Mother on 4-3-09. Again our prayer are with your family and we thank Dr. Sucarieh for extending my husbands life by the surgery her performed on him years ago.
Angie & family
David Tryson
May 5, 2009
Dr. Suckarieh performed my mom's heart surgery in 1992 and saved her life and for that, I will be forever grateful. My mom managed to live for another 13 years. I remember mailing him a thank you card for being so caring and gentle in my mother's care. I have always had the utmost respect and admiration for Dr. Suckarieh. He will be deeply missed. My condolences to his family.
Divine Rosero
May 5, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Patricia Moudy Hamilton
May 5, 2009
Dr. Suckarieh performed a quintuple bypass on my father in the spring of 1990, and I'm so grateful that he had such a wonderful gift that provided my dad with many more years which gave him the chance to become a grandfather.
He was indeed a wonderful and talented surgeon, and the Permian Basin was blessed to have him in the community. I know his loss will be felt for a long time to come. My prayers go out to his family, friends and colleagues.
May 5, 2009
Dr. Suckarieh was a kind and gently man. He loved to teach and was a great Dr to work with. He will be greatly missed by all who every came into contact with him. May god be with your family in this heartbreaking time.
Former Heart Team Member
Sheri Higgins RN
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