Samuel C. Azar

Samuel Chafie Azar of Holliston passed away Thursday, January 12, 2023 at the age of 94. He had been visiting his daughter in East Longmeadow when he unexpectedly fell ill. He was admitted to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield where he passed away the following evening surrounded by family.

Born in Boston, August 21,1928. Sam was the son of Syrian immigrants, Chafie and Adele (Kennan) Azar. In 1948, he married Dorothy Corrado. The two lived in the South End of Boston. Until they moved to Allston where they raised a family. Once their family was grown, Sam had the opportunity to live in New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Roslindale before settling in Holliston, Mass.

Sam was a lifelong devoted member of St. George Orthodox Church where he served on many committees, sang in the choir, and assisted in many church functions. Sam started his career with the United States Postal Service before partnering with his brother, Mitchel Azar. The pair established a chain of 27 retail stores known as the Cambridge Coffee Tea and Spice house. Their business’s success began in New England before spreading across the country. After stepping out of the retail business Sam was employed as a New England Regional Manager for Richter Brothers Food Brokers. After his retirement from Richter Brothers, he became an expert in selling oriental rugs for Bloomingdales Department Stores. At the age of 80, Sam ventured into his final retail experience as co-manager with his niece in the establishment of Coffee Roasters of the Kennebunks, in the resort community of Kennebunkport, Maine, where as usual, he developed a host of friends and well- wishers.

Sam is survived by his daughter, Lynda Azar of Longmeadow, his daughter and son in law, Joanne (Jay) Azar and her husband Jack Rovers of Ashland. Also surviving are Samantha Rovers and Adam Fiander of South Boston, Dylan Rovers of Ashland, and many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews. Sam is preceded in death by his brothers George and Mitchel Azar and his sisters Lillian Elias and Emily Intraversato, his brother in law, Pasquale Intraversato and his sisters in law Helen and Hosson Azar.

Memorial visitation will take place Tuesday evening, January 17, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm, with concluding prayers at 6:30pm at St. George Orthodox Church, 55 Emmonsdale Rd., West Roxbury. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Duckett Funeral Home of J. S. Waterman and Sons, Sudbury, MA.