Elias Nassif

ELIAS JOSEPH "TONY" NASSIF

Cedar Rapids

Elias Joseph "Tony" Nassif, son of Elias J. Nassif Sr. and Adele Ferris Nassif, fell asleep in the Lord on Jan. 14, 2016, in Burbank, Calif., where he resided.

Tony was born in Cedar Rapids and spent his early life in Iowa. He graduated from Washington High School, where he played football, and pursued many competitive activities, one of which was statewide boxing. He distinguished himself as a winner in the statewide Golden Gloves competition, which was refereed by the legendary Rocky Marciano.

Tony graduated from Muscatine Junior College and continued his education at the University of Iowa, where he graduated with a degree in business administration.

As an advocate of many social issues, Tony devoted his life to building awareness of human trafficking throughout the world. He served as a featured speaker on Voice of America, Today's Issues from the American Family Association, Trinity Broadcasting, Janet Marshall's American Eagle Forum and Concerned Women for America. He was one of the founding members of Christian Coalition and served on advisory boards, such as National Council on Bible Curriculum in Public Schools, Christian Coalition of California and ABC-Learn. While serving on several boards, he was interviewed on more than 100 radio and television programs, including Family News in Focus and Focus on the Family.

At the core of his adult life was Tony's service to the church. As a young teen, Tony was ordained as a sub deacon in St. John's Orthodox Church in Cedar Rapids. From a young age, his Christian pursuits followed him throughout his adult life as he touched the lives of so many. Bridging his commitment to both faith and political-social activism, he authored the book, "Jesus Politics and the Church." His devotion, not only to faith- based initiatives, but also to his heritage, was demonstrated in his role as president of The Cedars Cultural and Educational Foundation.

Tony was preceded in passing by his loving parents, E.J. Nassif and Adele Ferris Nassif.

He is survived by his brothers, Gary Tannus Nassif of Las Vegas and Donald Nassif (Denise) of Irvine, Calif.; and a sister, Alexandria (Sandy) Nassif of Cedar Rapids.

Before the Trisagion service at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, there will be a visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. George Orthodox Church. The funeral service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital as a lasting memorial to benefit the health of children or to St. George Orthodox Church as a memorial to support children's Christian education.

The family would like to thank all those for their friendship, love and remembrance. We pray that Tony's memory will be eternal.

Online condolences may be left at www.cedar

memorial.com under "Obituaries."