Sam Fadel
February 24, 2017
Sam Fadel, 85, of Charlotte, departed this life, passing away peacefully the morning of February 24, 2017. He was surrounded by the love of his life, his wife of over 53 years, and “his boys”, as he was fond of saying.
Sam was born in Niagara Falls, NY on June 23, 1931. Born of Lebanese immigrants, he was the youngest of three sons. Having never known his father, who passed away a few months before he was born, Sam was a wonderful, kind, and gentle father who disciplined and taught his boys with a velvet hand.
Sam is survived by his wife, Doris Sanders Fadel, his two boys, and their families, Charles Fadel and Michele, Greg Fadel and Kendra; his granddaughter, Lily Fadel. He is also survived by his many nieces and nephews.
Sam moved to Charlotte, with his mother and brother Ted, in 1948, to be with his eldest brother Chuck. After graduating from Harding High School in 1950, he enlisted in the United States Naval Reserves, where he faithfully served his country during the Korean War, aboard the destroyer USS Vesole. Upon completion of his service, Sam enrolled and graduated from Belmont Abbey College, where he met his lifelong friend Norm “Gussy” Schott, who continued to compete with Sam on who could be the greatest smart-ass to their families and friends, who all lovingly humored their witty banters.
Sam collaborated with his brothers, Chuck and Ted, on multiple business ventures over the years. The first of which, Three Brothers Tavern, was where he met his adoring wife, Doris. In 1964, the three brothers established Fadels’ Foodservice Equipment and Supplies, Inc., still owned and operated by his nephew and niece, Shea Fadel and Amina Stewart.
Sam will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, and a good friend. He was always fond of sharing warm brandy or scotch, and a funny story, which always involved his favorite subjects, himself or “his boys”. Sam absolutely reveled sitting in the company of his close family and friends, spinning yarns about his days in the Navy and cutting wisecracks to make people laugh. Whenever his boys needed fatherly advice, Sam was always available and eager to impart his wisdom and love. He made it clear to them that he was not their buddy, not their pal, and not their friend. He was their father, and he was the best friend they would ever have.
He will be remembered fondly as someone who loved his wife, loved his boys, his granddaughter, his daughters-in-law, extended family, his friends and God. He loved life and this world will shine just a little less bright without his star amongst us.
The Trisagion will be Tuesday evening, February 28, 2017 at 7:00 PM at St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church, 5108 Kuykendall Rd., Charlotte, NC. Funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, March 1, 2017, at the church. Interment will follow in Sharon Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to Hebron Colony Ministries, 356 Old Turnpike Rd., Boone, NC 28607.
May his memory be eternal.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Funeral & Cremation Services, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204. Online condolences at www.kennethpoeservices.com. Phone: 704- 641-7606.
Comments
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I have just received the news that Sam passed away. I'm not on Facebook so news reaches me slowly. Reading Sam's obituary he is all that and more. I want Doris, Charles & Greg to know that my visits with Billy to Charlotte are some of the best memories of my life. I also want you to know that Sam died on Billy's Birthday and I am positive he was there to meet Sam as soon as reached his heavenly home. So glad Billy had someone like Sam to celebrate his B-day with. With deepest sympathy and all my love, Anne
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Uncle Sam was one of the most charismatic men that I've ever known. He lit up any room he walked into with his smile and fun attitude. When I was little and visited his work, he would always take the time to stop what he was doing, no matter how busy he was, and visit with me. I will never forget his love for family, and his contagious smile.
Forever with love,
Your nephew, Patrick Raad
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