Elias Abdullah Hannoush

Hannoush, Elias Abdullah
LOUDONVILLE - Known for his warmth, generosity and dedication to his family, Elias Abdullah Hannoush, age 73, of Loudonville, N.Y., passed away, early Sunday morning, June 15, 2025.
"Elie," as most knew him, was loved by many, but by none more than his devoted wife of 53 years, Georgette (Rahal) Hannoush. She will miss preparing his favorite meals and baking his favorite sweet treats-then hiding them around the house to ensure the grandchildren had a chance to enjoy them too. In addition to Georgette, Elie leaves behind his four children, Albert (Mirvatte Eid) of Loudonville, David (Diana Saliba) of Loudonville, Janette Nammour (Naim) of Loudonville, and Nadia Damouni (George) of Lake Fenton, Mich.; his 14 grandchildren, Gabriella, 23 (Albert), Jacob, 22 (Nadia), Elias, 21, (Albert), Yasmine. 21 (Nadia), Rebekah, 19 (Albert), Lucas, 19 (Nadia), Daniel, 18 (David), Elissa, 17 (Nadia), Joelle, 16 (David), Anthony, 16 (Albert), Gabriel, 13 (David), George, 13 (Janette), Alexander, 10 (Janette) and Christiana, 10 (David); his seven brothers, Joseph (Sultana Hannoush), Anthony (Loulou Khoueiry), Norman (Susie Aoun), Peter (Georgette Ghammachi), George (Rita Sayegh), Camile and Nabil (Julie Bretta); and their combined 34 children and dozens of grandchildren. Elie was predeceased by his grandson, Michael David Hannoush; his parents, Abdullah Elias and Souad (Hajnasr) Hannoush; and many aunts, uncles and cousins from the Hannoush, Hajnasr and Salameh families.
Elie Hannoush first came to the United States in 1971. The eldest of eight boys living in a one-bedroom home in Zahle, Lebanon, he left school at 13 to help his father, a carpenter, support the family, by working as a jeweler's apprentice. By 17, Elie was already a master goldsmith, earning enough to support a family. At 19, he dreamed of pursuing a life in America, but his father wouldn't let him go alone. So, in an extraordinary act of sacrifice, his parents sold all their possessions, packed up their belongings, and brought the entire family of 10 to a foreign country. That was the beginning of the Hannoush Family's story in the United States. In 1973, Elie returned to Lebanon to marry, Georgette, a beautiful young woman he met and quickly fell in love with. Months later, they were married and began their life together in America. Both came from large families and humble beginnings, already accustomed to working for everything they had, budgeting carefully, and raising a family with discipline and love. Those early lessons served them well. They started with entry-level factory jobs, then took on various odd jobs, until Elie opened a restaurant serving Lebanese fare-most famously, his steak and cheese on Lebanese pita bread. He continued making those sandwiches for his family until the very end, often surprising Albert and David at work with a fresh, foil-wrapped delivery. Elie reentered the jewelry industry in 1978, when he was offered a position as a bench jeweler at Kay Jewelers in Colonie Center, Albany, N.Y. At the time, Georgette and their sons, Albert and David, remained in Springfield, Mass., so Elias lived in a motel across from the mall during the week, driving home on weekends. Through dedication and skill, he quickly outpaced expectations, eventually handling repairs for Kay stores across New York and Vermont, as well as department stores like Service Merchandise and Present Company. Always driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, Elie also began designing and selling his own jewelry - sometimes directly from the trunk of his car in the Colonie Center parking lot. Because of lessons learned early, Elie did not want to take on debt, so he saved all of his money until he had enough to open his own store. In 1984, that dream became reality with the opening of his first Hannoush Jewelers in the brand-new Crossgates Mall. The rest is jewelry history.
Elie was blessed to create countless memories with his 15 beloved grandchildren. He adored each of them and took pride in instilling within them a deep sense of their Lebanese heritage, the value of hard work in achieving success, and the belief that true happiness comes from helping others - not simply from material things. He would proudly show strangers photos of his grandchildren or boast about their accomplishments, especially his eldest granddaughter in law school, and his eldest grandson in medical school. He had a unique bond with each grandchild - whether silly, serious, emotional, or mentoring - and loved each one deeply, in his own way, in the only way he knew how: with all his heart. He was known for early morning visits to his children's homes for coffee, spontaneous pancake breakfasts with the grandkids, harmless pranks, and "tasting" any sweet treat they happened to be holding. His legendary sweet tooth was well known to all the children.
While Elie might say that the greatest legacy is the family he leaves behind, he is also remembered as a successful entrepreneur, a mentor, and a man of deep charity. He met thousands of people through his stores, some he never saw again, others became lifelong clients, and many became friends. Visiting his store felt like entering his home, he greeted everyone with a warm handshake, or a hug and kiss, and the scent of his cologne lingered long after you'd leave. Before retiring, he was rarely seen without a perfectly tailored suit, a knotted tie, and polished shoes. He often reminded his sons, "The way you dress reflects how seriously you take your work." There was no question Elie took his work very seriously. He especially loved working alongside his children, particularly Albert, who joined him full-time in high school. Elie insisted they listen closely to client conversations, observe vendor negotiations, and learn how to select diamonds and gems. He taught them to treat everyone with the same respect - whether they came for a small service or a major purchase - and that a lasting relationship mattered more than quick sales. That lesson is still evident today in the multi-generational families who continue to shop with his sons.
Elie was a devout parishioner at St. Ann Maronite Catholic Church in Watervliet, N.Y., where he regularly attended Sunday liturgy, with Georgette by his side, in the front pew. In memory of their grandson, Michael, Elie and Georgette helped establish an endowment supporting the Pediatric ICU at the Bernard and Millie Duker Children's Hospital, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars. They also created the Michael David Hannoush Scholarship at St. Ann's, awarded annually to a high school graduate active in the parish. In retirement, Elie spent much of his time in Zahle, his beloved hometown, where his charitable work continued - along with access to his favorite pastries. He helped anyone in need, whether by providing funds for medication or medical procedures, distributing food during the holidays, or supporting churches and local charities. While he loved the U.S. for the opportunities it provided, Lebanon remained his true home. He would often say, "The U.S. is the greatest country in the world to build a life," but because he never had the chance to enjoy Lebanon in his youth, he was determined to spend his later years there. It is almost poetic that Elie's life ended where it began - not far from that one-bedroom home he left over 50 years ago. Those wishing to honor Elie's memory through a charitable donation, are encouraged to do so via either St. Ann Maronite Catholic Church, at 1919 3rd Ave., Watervliet, N.Y. 12189, www.stann1905.com or Hannoush Pediatric Care Endowment at Albany Medical Center, c/o Albany Medical Center Foundation, 43 New Scotland Ave., MC-119, Albany, N.Y. 12208, support.amc.edu/givenow. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated at St. Pius X Church, 23 Crumitie Rd., Loudonville, N.Y., on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment at St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands. Arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the care of The Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, Latham. For further information, to order flowers, or express a message of condolence, please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com