Memorial
Nathan Samuel Nassif of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died peacefully on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Meth-wick Community Center. He was born in Cedar Rapids on January 20, 1943, the son of Samuel J. and Mary Nassif. He graduated from Washington High School where he received his Bachelor Degree in Journalism from Drake University and later received a Master Degree in Speech and Communication from Marquette University in 1966 which launched his professional teaching career in communication and speech related activities.
His love for communication skills pulled him toward the airwaves where he worked in radio stations in Iowa and then after graduate school accepted a position as an Instructor of Speech Communication at Iowa State University. After one year on the faculty at Iowa State University Nathan wanted to explore new career opportunities. He was interviewed and selected to work as a full-time talent agent for the prestigious William Morris Talent Agency in New York City and Chicago where he worked in concert management for artists throughout the spectrum of agency clients. As one of the youngest agents at William Morris, this experience led him to travels throughout the country as a representative of some of the leading artists in film, music, and television.
During one of his visits to Hollywood, California, he met his future wife, Briana (Kallail), and together they built a remarkable life story for 51 years. Their married life began in Cedar Rapids where Nathan took a teaching position at Mt Mercy University and Briana took a public-school teaching position. After a few years in Cedar Rapids, Nathan's professional path continued to evolve so that he was able to transition work in academia with a venture into real estate which led to a move to Pittsburgh where he joined his brother in a coownership venture in property management.
While living in Pittsburgh, Nathan's best joy for his family was their 20 year history as joint owners with his brother of the historic St. Elmo Hotel on Lake Chautauqua n southwestern New York- a hotel that anchored the Chautauqua Institution which offered a 10 week summer program to more than 100,000 visitors each year which inspired life-long learning in art, education, religion and recreation. It was an exciting chapter in their lives where extended family joined Nathan and Briana and their two children for summer reunions while always surrounded by interfaith worship, world-class lectures, and a holistic lifestyle. This was a place Nathan truly felt at home — an unforgettable chapter in his life.
Nathan's devotion to learning and teaching re-emerged in his life so by 1992, Nathan and his family moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he accepted a position as an Assistant Professor of Speech. Believing in his path for university teaching, he later completed a PhD in Speech and Communication from Union Institute University. That milestone opened the door to three decades of academic life at University of Sioux Falls from 1992-2021. His teaching was remarkable as he earned many outstanding honors: the Bush Grant for Critical Thinking, the Teacher Quality Enhancement Grant, the South Dakota Communication Association Service Award, and the University Outstanding Teacher Award. Students admired his devotion to teaching, his wit and time spent sharing genuine instructional support while always focused on their stories and unique ambitions.
Beyond the classroom, Nathan gave to the Sioux Falls community and served in Rotary and helped steer the South Dakota Symphony to great successes and supported the Peace and Justice Center while always participating in his church and events that supported diversity education and recreation. He contributed widely as a mentor, advisor and contributor to service and arts organizations. In 2021, after a career defined by academic excellence, he retired and was granted the title of Professor Emeritus.
Retirement did not slow him down but rather gave him more time to invest in family and the passions that mattered most to him. He maintained his close ties to his Cedar Rapids family while always celebrating his children and grandchildren with regular visits. He continued his volunteer efforts in Sioux Falls and took great pleasure in his ongoing pursuit of magic.
Nathan's fascination with magic began as a young boy and continued throughout his life as he joined professional associations related to magic, and supported the Healing of Magic, groundbreaking program that uses magic as a way to help patients regain movement and confidence during rehabilitation. He was especially instrumental in advocating magic therapy in hospitals, schools, and facilities in over 20 countries.
His most precious experiences were his travels to Lebanon where he felt the pulse and inspiration of his heritage — a time in his history shared with cousins and family members. His travels to Spain and the Middle East anchored his passion for historical awareness and global understanding.
At the core of his life was his devotion to family, faith, learning, health and well-being and a genuine devotion to the stories and memories of the past, all of which sustained him during the last chapter of his life. Most of all, his steadfast pursuit of personal well-being was remarkable. These were the gifts of his legacy.
Nathan was preceded in death by his father and mother, Samuel and Mary Nassif, brother Shakeeb Joseph. He is survived by his wife Briana, son Nathan (Vanessa), his daughter Sophie Elias (Robert) and two grandchildren, Briana and Jacob. He is also survived by his sister Catherine Payvandi (Naser) and several beloved relatives.
The family has special gratitude for the incredible care from Meth-Wick Community and the hardworking clinical team including his niece Laila.
A Cedar Rapids visitation will take place Tuesday, April 21, 2026 from 6-7 p.m. CST followed by a 7:00 pm Trisagion; the Funeral Service is scheduled for Wednesday, 10:00 am at St. George Orthodox Church. At a later time, there will be a private ceremony at the convenience of the family.
Memorials may be directed to St. George Orthodox Church in memory of Nathan.