John J. Nassif

John J. Nassif, 83, of Madison passed away Sunday (June 24, 2012) at Yale New Haven Hospital. John was born July 26, 1928 in Cleveland, Ohio and was a son of the late John J. Sr. and Frances K. (Yazbek) Nassif. In addition to his wife of 52 years, Dolores (Willhide) Nassif John is survived by a son John J. Nassif III and his wife Robbin of Madison, and four daughters, Frances Tanney and her husband Jim of Maple Glen, PA, Dolores (Dee) Newton and her husband Jon of West Hartford, Elizabeth Huntington and her husband Charles of Wethersfield and Veronica Grimes and her husband David of O’Fallon, Missouri. He is also survived by his grandchildren John Tanney and fiancé Kelly O’Connell, Kerry and Megan Tanney, Hannah, Samuel and Melanie Newton, Emma and Abigail Huntington, Camille and David (Will) Grimes, step-grandchildren David Kenning and wife Emily (Proctor) and Justin Kenning, step-great grandchildren Hope and John Kenning, sisters Betty Nassif and Aileen (Nassif) Maroon and many cousins, nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his brother Michael A. Nassif.

A graduate of Cathedral Latin High School, Cleveland, Ohio and a graduate of John Carroll University, University Heights, Ohio, John also attended Cleveland Marshall Law School. He proudly served in the 37th Infantry Division, Ohio Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1953 at the rank of Master Sergeant. John worked 45 years in public relations, advertising and sales promotion for various agencies and manufacturers, most notable of which are Winchester, Sturm Ruger and Colt. During the early years of his career, he was an active outdoorsman enjoying hunting, fishing, and trap and skeet as well as an advocate for Ducks Unlimited. He is remembered most for his sense of humor, vibrant personality, pride in his Lebanese heritage and his devotion to his family.

Family will receive friends from 4 to 7 PM Thursday, June 28 at the Swan Funeral Home, 825 Boston Post Rd., Madison, CT. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Margaret Catholic Church, Academy Street, Madison on Friday, at 10 AM with Committal to follow at West Cemetery with military honors. Memorial contributions to American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005 or a charity of your choice in memory of John J. Nassif. Please visit www.swanfuneralhomemadison.com to view memorial tribute.