Sam J Kahwaty

Kahwaty, Sam J., age 86 of Clifton, passed to his place in heaven on Friday evening, December 28, 2012. He was born in Central Falls, RI and lived his youth in Paterson, NJ. After graduating from Eastside High School, Sam enlisted in the U.S. Navy in April 1944 and was proud to serve his country aboard the USS Thomas F. Nickel until his discharge in February 1946. He received the American Theatre Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theatre Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and Victory Ribbon. Sam enjoyed a 44 year career in the food business having helped educate many in the business including his son Joe whom he had a successful long term father/son team. He owned his first grocery store, Hilltop Market on Totowa Ave in Paterson, then the Courtesy Market on Paulison Ave in Clifton, and later assisted his son with the Courtesy Caf in Pequannock. Pop as he was referred to was a people person whom many came to laugh with as well as buy his home made soups and sandwiches. And during football season, he would spar with any NY fan by supporting his beloved Dallas Cowboys running sandwich specials when the Cowboys won. He collected Cowboys memorabilia and proudly displayed each and every piece in his stores. In his middle years, Sam enjoyed fun times with his Syrian boyfriends who hung out at the American Legion 438 John Raad Post Home, Montclair Ave. Paterson, NJ. He was the Commander of the American Legion Home while it was being built. During his rein, Sam participated in many fundraisers for various worth while causes most notably the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC); the exclusive fund-raising organization of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. In his early twenties, he was introduced to the woman with who he would spend 63 years of marriage. Her name was Gloria Rose Hayek whom he leaves behind along with their 4 children; Linda Adamson and husband Douglas, Paulette Kahwaty and boyfriend Doug, Joseph Kahwaty and wife Kim and youngest daughter Joann Slattery. He also was the proud grandfather of 4; Stacey, Alyssa, Edward (EJ) and Amber, as well as a great grandfather of 2; Christian and Natalee. Along with his immediate family, Sam leaves behind over 30 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and all his 8 siblings; Anne Shaker, Charles Kahwaty, Nettie Monaco, Amera Dahrea, Michael Kahwaty, Margaret Cardone, George (Buddy) Kahwaty, and Agnes (Dolly) Kahwaty. Family and friends may visit at Marrocco Memorial Chapel 470 Colfax Ave. Clifton on Wednesday 1/2/13 from 2 - 4pm and 7- 9pm. Funeral services will be held on Thursday 1/3/13 at 9:15 AM followed by a funeral mass at St Philip the Apostle RC Church, 797 Valley Road Clifton at 10 AM. He will be laid to rest at Laurel Grove Cemetery, Totowa, NJ. Those planning an expression of sympathy in Sam Kahwaty s memory are asked to consider any veteran or children s charity of their choice.


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