Joseph George Cassar

Joseph George Cassar, 89, of Brookhaven, Georgia, entered into eternal rest on June 5th, 2021 with his beloved family by his side. He was born on October 9, 1931, in Tanta, Egypt, to George and Zoé Cassar. Affectionately known as “Zouzou” to his dear family, and “Jeddo” (meaning “Grandpa”) in later years to his Grandchildren, Joe radiated love, joy, humility and generosity. As a young boy growing up in Tanta, he served daily Mass at St. Anne of Collège St. Louis of Les Missions Africaines de Lyons. He was strong in his faith at an early age. His accomplished banking career started with Barclays Bank in Egypt. At the age of 28, sensing the instability in the Middle East and yearning for religious freedom, he came to Lebanon and met the love of his life, Suzanne, to whom he has been married just shy of 60 years. Joe began his longstanding career of 30+ years with Bank of America that led him to Los Angeles, California. In pursuit of the American Dream and through the cooperation of the Pontifical Mission supported by JFK, Joe and Suzan set their vison to immigrate to the USA with two toddlers, and baby #3 on the way. They settled in California for 2 years. Thus began Joe’s international travels that led him and his family to adventurous destinations such as Libya, Morocco, where Joe Jr. was born, Nigeria, Cyprus, Kuwait, the Bahamas, Monte Carlo, and a few other stops in between. He was a citizen of the world and a wonderful conversationalist – from politics to religion and everything in between. Everyone loved his big heart, warm hospitality and welcoming personality. The home of Joe and Suzan was always filled with love, laughter, family and friends. He was a supportive and loving husband and father. After 33 years overseas, Joe and Suzan reverted to their original plan of living in America and set their sights on Atlanta, Georgia. It has been home since 1993. Their social circle grew quickly and they were involved in many activities. Faith and Family came first and were at the heart of who he was. Joe was deeply spiritual and had a special devotion to Our Lady, Mary. His daily prayers and work reflected this, and were instrumental in bringing so many smiles, laughter and hope to many people. His emails were filled with inspiring messages of encouragement, faith, perseverance, love, and all that he embraced. “Prayer and peace are essential to a strong relationship”, he said. He had a great sense of humor. He was an extraordinary man of incomparable elegance and grace. Joe spent 20+ years as a volunteer at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta. He never sat still at a desk, but rather did his “rounds”, greeting everyone while helping patients navigate the CathLab and Cardiac wing of the Hospital. Joe took pride in this work and rarely missed a week. He was a dedicated servant in this ministry, serving also as Treasurer of the Volunteers. Passionate in his love for God, he and Suzan were part of Ultrea and the monthly Nocturnal Adoration group at St. Jude in Dunwoody. This continues through the legacy of his children. Joe was also dedicated in his service to a monthly French mass for over 20 years at Mary Our Queen, where he assisted and was ‘alter server’, just as when he was a young boy in Tanta. As we remember our dear Joe, we will continue to pray for Faith, Hope and Love – three words he lived by daily. Joe has helped us to say, “Au Revoir” and to accept his new beginning in eternal life in this very special Year of St. Joseph. His life was “First Class”, to quote one of his favorite expressions, and it was “Formidable!”. Joe is predeceased by his brother, Edward, and his infant sister, Adelle. He is survived by his wife, Suzan, his daughters Andrée Morcos (Sam), Caroline, and Jessie, and his son, Joseph Anthony (Kathleen). He was the loving Grandfather “Jeddo” to his 10 grandchildren, Charles, Daniel, Simon, Colette, Carina (now Sister Carmen-Marie of the Holy Innocents, OCD), Paul, Andrew, Peter, Michaela and Marian. He is also survived by his sisters Antoinette Martin (Steve) and Thérèse Diab (Joseph), and his brother Antoine Cassar (Yvette). We are comforted in knowing he received Last Rites and Viaticum (Bread for the Journey). Please join our family to celebrate his life on the following occasions: Thursday, June 10, 2021 – Wake at Fischer Funeral Home. Friday, June 11, 2021 - Funeral Liturgy at St. Joseph Maronite Catholic Church, followed by a reception at the Neely Farm Clubhouse in Peachtree Corners. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph George Cassar, please visit our floral store.