Issa J. Michael, of Canton, passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2017. He was born on December 5, 1924 in Hina, Syria to the late Joseph and Aniseh (Hirshawi) Michael and came to the United States in December 1947. He worked for Ford Motor Company for 26 years. He was a faithful member of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church for 70 years where he served on the Parish Council for 16 years and was a member of the Phoenician Club. He was a dedicated 60 year member of William McKinley Lodge #431 F. & A.M., Scottish Rite, an honorary Past Commander of the Canton Commandry, member of the York Rite, Past-President of the Stage Craft of Tadmor Temple and honorary member of All Shrine of Ohio. He received The Meritorious Service Award for Scottish Rite and York Rite.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 47 years Melia (Bazi); daughters: Lena Yaacoub (Jean), Ronda Strmac (James), Laurice Nassif (Michael), and Amal; loving grandfather of Jacqueline and Joseph Yaacoub, Michael and Carly Strmac, Luke and Isabelle Nassif; brother of Paul Michael (Barbara); uncle of many.

He is preceded in death by his siblings: Moses (Mary), John (Virginia) and Mary Guster (Charles).

Family and friends will be received Thursday 4-8 PM at Arnold Funeral Home Canton with a Trisagion Service at 7:30 PM. Another hour of visitation will be held Friday 10-11 AM at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church. Funeral services will begin 11 AM with Very Rev. Fr. Michael Corbin officiating, assisted by Very Rev. Fr. Youhanna Al-Assaf and Rev. Fr. Basil Shaheen. Burial in North Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. George Church (1118 Cherry Ave, NE, Canton, OH 44704).

Arnold 330-456-7291

www.arnoldfuneralhome.com