Memorial

Michel Gharib, 85, fell asleep in the Lord on January 10, 2019.  He was at home and surrounded by his family in Robins, Iowa.

Funeral Service:  10:00 a.m. Monday, January 14th, 2019, at St. George Orthodox Church, 3650 Cottage Grove Avenue, Cedar Rapids.  A visitation will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. on Sunday, January 13th, 2018, at St. George Orthodox Church with a Trisagion Service beginning at 7:00 p.m.  Burial: St. George Orthodox Cemetery.  

Michel Gharib was born on July 10, 1933 to Esber and Julia Gharib in the small village of Aita Al-Fakhar, Lebanon.  At the age of 16, Michel traveled to Brazil where he owned a retail store for 15 years before returning home to Lebanon where he met and eventually married the love of his life—his beloved Tamam (Tammy).  

In 1973, with nothing more than $50 to his name and trust in God, Michel immigrated to the United States with Tamam and their infant daughter, Julia.  They settled in Cedar Rapids, Iowa near other family members.  Michel obtained employment as a laborer at the Rockwell Goss plant where he worked until his retirement in 1994.  

Michel was a proud, self-reliant, and selfless man, and he instilled those same values in his children.  At Goss, he was hard working and often worked seven days a week and took any overtime opportunities he could—not for his own enrichment or self-interest, but to provide for a better life and opportunities for his wife and his children.  He assimilated into and loved this Country and was also immensely proud of his Lebanese heritage and culture.  

Michel’s life was guided by his deep and unwavering commitment to his Orthodox Christian Faith and his love for his family.  He was an exemplary member of St. George Orthodox Church in Cedar Rapids and rarely missed a service with his wife, his sister and the rest of his family at his side.  Michel was never happier than when surrounded by his immediate and large extended family at meals or other events.  He would often say, “No matter what, keep the family close how much you can.”  He was immensely proud of his family’s accomplishments, and he accomplished what he set out to do.  

Michel was preceded in death by his parents, Esber and Julia Gharib, and his sister, Marie AbouAssaly.  He is survived by his wife, Tamam, and his children Julia Gharib, Michel (Amy) Gharib, Jr., and Jane (Chad) Thurm.  Also surviving him are his grandchildren Marcus, Alex and Owen Thurm, and Delaney, Elle, and Luca Gharib; his sister Dunia Abodeely; his brother-in-law Hanna AbouAssaly, and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins here and throughout the world.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to St. George Orthodox Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is in entrusted with the arrangements.