Obituaries

Robert J. Habeeb, Sr. 92, of South Abington Twp., passed away Tuesday morning at The Jewish Home of Eastern Pennsylvania. His beloved wife of 55 years, Shirley Ann (Pfurr) Habeeb, preceded him in death on November 21, 2013.
Born on October 15, 1926, Robert was the son of the late Abraham and Mary Mansour Habeeb. A Navy Veteran, he proudly served during WWII before receiving his Honorable Discharge.

He worked in the car business for 50 years and enjoyed a second career as the courtroom assistant to Lackawanna County Judge Minora. A lifelong resident of South Abington he was deeply rooted in its community and a selfless volunteer. Robert was a founding member and past president of the Chinchilla Hose Company and Gateway Lion’s Club. He held numerous positions including postmaster, township auditor and ultimately Chairman of the South Abington Board of Supervisors where he was instrumental in creating the township police department. He also served as a school director for Abington Heights. The Township honored him by naming a portion of the gateway to Chinchilla as “Habeeb’s Notch”. A devout catholic who never missed mass he was a member of St Ann Maronite Church, Scranton and Our Lady of Snows parish, Clarks Summit where he was an usher for 65 years.

He is also survived by his five loving children, Robert Habeeb Jr. and wife Michelle of Chicago, IL; Timothy Habeeb and wife, Diane of Clarks Summit; Jody Ferdyn and husband, Allan of Clarks Summit; John Habeeb and wife, Jenifer of Apex, NC; and Paulette Habeeb-Farry of Clarks Summit; nine grandchildren, R.J., Marlo, Hailey, Timmy, Danny, John Paul and Katie Habeeb, Mickey and Amelia Farry; and many nieces and nephews.
Robert was the youngest and last surviving of eleven children. He was also preceded in death by brothers, Fred and Joseph Habeeb, Sister Maronita Adele, Mamie Habeeb, Clara Anthony, Nellie Iyoob, Alice MacDonald, Josie Ferris, Freda Dileo and Olga Joseph.

His family would like to express its appreciation to Dr. Thomas Minora along with Robert’s caregivers who provided nothing but amazing care, comfort and kindness throughout the years.
Funeral services will begin on Saturday at 9:15AM from the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton, with a 10:00AM Funeral Liturgy at Saint Ann Maronite Church to be celebrated by Msgr. Francis J. Marini, Pastor. Burial with military honors will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Friday between 4 – 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Incense services will be conducted at 6:30.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Robert’s name to the Chinchilla Hose Company c/o 113 Shady Lane Road, Chinchilla, Pa., 18410.