Chahine, Nicolas G.

Nicolas G. Chahine, 80, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Aita, Lebanon, died Saturday, May 26, 2012, in his home following an extended illness. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 30, at St. George Orthodox Church by Father Fred Shaheen officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the church, with a Trisagion service beginning at 7 p.m. Burial will take place at St. George Cemetery. The family also invites all friends and family to visit them at any time at his son Tom's home, 1924 29th St. NW, Cedar Rapids. Arrangements entrusted to Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 61 years, Salimeh; his children, Marie Kassis of Beirut, Lebanon, George Chahine of Cedar Rapids, Andre Chahine and wife Hanni of Beirut, Lebanon, Tony Chahine and wife Vivian also of Beirut, Fadia Skaff and husband Gary of Longwood, Fla., Tom Chahine and wife Marie and Eli Chahine and wife Elli all of Cedar Rapids.

He is also survived by 32 grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, two sisters-in-law and four brothers-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Georges and Namoura; son-in-law, George Kassis; brother-in-law, Nicola Nassif; and nephew, George Nassif.

Nicolas George Chahine was born Dec. 7, 1931, in Aita Lebanon, the son of Georges Chahine. He graduated from Aita Fokar School. He was united in marriage to Salimeh Nassif on May 1, 1951, in Zahleh, Lebanon. He owned and operated Nick's Barbershop in Aita for over 40 years. He and Salimeh came to Cedar Rapids on April 11, 1992, to be closer to their family. He was a faithful member of St. George Orthodox Church. Nick's passion and pride was his vast garden that he tended to. He loved his family dearly and will be greatly missed.

Memorial donations in Nick's honor may be made directed to the family.

Please leave a message, tribute or memory to Nick's family on the Web page, under Obituaries.

Published in The Gazette May 28, 2012.