George A. Raad

George A. Raad, March 29, 1926 – January 28. 2022

It is with deep sadness and regret, we inform you of the passing of our Dad, George A. Raad, of Wayne NJ. George was called to his eternal rest this past Friday, January 28, 2022. He passed away peacefully at home. George was born in Paterson, NJ, to the late Gafrin and Sarah (Fattell) Raad on March 29th, 1926. George was a lifelong resident of NJ and a lifelong member of St. Ann’s Melkite Catholic Church as well as the John Raad American Legion Post #438, Paterson, NJ.

George went to St. John’s grammar school and attended classes at Central High School. In 1943 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WWII. George served aboard the LST 127 (Landing Ship Tanks) during the years of 1944-1946.

After WWII, George was employed by the family business, Perfect Textile Mills, and later at Bernie Fabrics in NYC as a fabric & textile salesman. George was also the owner of Raad’s Lincoln Park Deli during the 1970’s, and later worked for the 7-11 convenience store in Wayne NJ.

George served as commander of the John Raad American Legion Post #438 in 1965. He also assisted in major fund raisers for the American Legion, ALSAC (American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities), St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and St. Ann’s Melkite Catholic Church. He served as vice president of the Saint Ann’s Holy Name Society and sang in the church choir during the 1960’s.

George was a notable musician and singer of Arabic music, who played the oud (lute) and had a band with his brother Henry and later included his sons, Gabe and Edmond. They entertained at church functions, weddings, events, and fundraisers. George & his brother Henry, it should be noted, were the only American born Arabic entertainers in NJ at the time. George most likely would be remembered as the originator of “A Night in the Orient” (evenings of Arabic music & dance) along with his brother Henry & the late Louis Sayegh in the 1950’s and 1960’s at the John Raad Post Legion Home.

George enjoyed Puerto Rico every February and golfing during the nice weather seasons in NJ with a group known as the “TNT” group at the Passaic County Golf Course.

George is pre-deceased by his brother, PFC John G. Raad, his parents Gafrin and Sarah (Fattell) Raad, his wife, mother of his five sons, Gloria (Homsey) Raad, and his second wife, Katherine (Katinsky) Raad.

George is survived by his 5 sons & their families: Gabe & MaryAnn Raad of Wayne, NJ, Edmond & Carol Raad of University Park, Florida, Victor & Teresa Raad of Gaithersburg, Maryland, George J. Raad and his companion Meme Solis of West New York, NJ, and John Raad and his companion Anne Drescher, of Wharton, NJ. Also, his brother, Henry Raad & wife Beverly, and his Godson Charles Raad and wife Gina. Additionally 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren complete his immediate family.

Visitation/Wake will be at St. Ann’s Melkite Catholic Church on Friday, February 5th, from 4pm to 8pm. Funeral Mass at 8:30am to 9:30 am at St. Ann’s followed by Interment at Holy Sepulcher.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be directed to Saint Ann’s Melkite Catholic Church, Woodland Park, NJ 07424, or to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. http://www.stjude.org

COVID19 Guidelines:

For all who wish to attend, the family asks that you prioritize safety and wear your mask.