Joseph R. Nassif, 69, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away suddenly on March 26th, 2021. There will be a small funeral service for immediate family. All invited guests are respectfully requested to wear a mask and practice social distancing.Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Cedar Rapids is assisting the family.
Joe was born on April 8th, 1951, to James and Azalieh Nassif. He was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, where his family was part of a large Lebanese community. As a youth he was an altar server at St. George's Orthodox Christian Church, played tennis, baseball, and was a scoreboard keeper at the minor league baseball stadium.
After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High school in 1969, he went on to study at the University of Iowa. From here, Joe landed a job at The Department of Human Services, where he met his wife of 38 years, Jane Nissen. They were married in 1983. In 1984, their first daughter Azalieh (Leah) was born, and their second daughter Sadie followed shortly thereafter in 1985.
Joe worked for many years at HACAP, helping the elderly find jobs until his retirement in 2011.
He was passionate about his hobbies and could often be found on the golf course, playing bridge, or watching sports with his daughter Leah, cousins, and friends. He enjoyed many genres of music, and would frequently attend the Symphony with his wife Jane. Joe also loved watching The Office and Psych with his daughter Sadie, and they would often quote their favorite lines to each other. He loved to travel all over the United States with his family- going for golf trips, and taking his girls to their favorite places, such as Walt Disney World and Disneyland. No matter where he was or what he did, Joe's family always came first and was the most important thing in the whole world to him.
Everyone who had the pleasure to know Joe knew he was the most loving father and spouse a family could ask for. His smile, laugh, and warm demeanor will forever be lovingly remembered by his friends and family.
Joe was predeceased by his father James, his mother Azalieh, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
He is survived by his wife Jane, daughters Leah and Sadie, and his beloved pets.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Joseph’s name to St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church on Cottage Grove Avenue.
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