Arif Afif Atiyeh, 85, Business Owner and Father of Syria's First Olympic Medalist

Arif Afif Atiyeh, born Sept. 7, 1928, was raised in Amar, Syria and resided in Allentown. He was the son of Afif and Josephine Atiyeh, grandson of Joseph and Adlah Atiyeh, brother of Joseph Atiyeh of Torreon Mexico who predeceased him in 1999, husband of Jamilie Abraham Atiyeh. They immigrated from Amar, Syria on the SS Independence to New York City on Dec. 29, 1958 with their children Afaf, Isam, Joseph. George, Abraham, Dennis and Linda were born after they arrived in the United States.

Arif was strong, hard working, had a sharp mind and had a generous spirit. Early on he provided for his family as a foreman at Quaker shoe factory. He was an enterprising businessman: owned Abraham's fashions, the WOW outlet and several real estate rentals.

All our neighbors and friends were welcomed to enjoy the food he grilled, the fruit he bought and the figs & tomatoes he grew. He was given a special recognition for his contribution to the Younes/Atiyeh families, and was respected in the Syrian community as a prominent leader. He embraced a spirit of hospitality and was a father of: state champions, college graduates, and successful business owners.

He was fearless and died surrounded by his family's love & prayers.
Arif Atiyeh was a proud father who will forever be loved by his children and family.

Survivors: Children, Rev. Afaf and her husband James Darcy, Isam, Joseph of Baton Rouge, La., George, Abraham and his wife Nimita, Dennis and his wife Laurie, and, Linda Atiyeh of Gettysburg, PA. He was loved by 18 grandchildren and their families: Joshua and his wife Bethany, Ashley and her husband Sam Miles, Adam, Amie and her husband William Marks, Joseph and his wife Linn, Alex, Arianne, Anna, George, Dennis, Priya, Julia, Allora, Jamilie, Abraham, Jamilie, Avonna, and Sonya. Four great-grandchildren: William, James, Olivia Marks and Milah Miles.

Services: 1:30 PM, Friday, May 23, 2014 at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church, 619 Fullerton Ave., Whitehall, PA. Viewing: 12:30 - 1:30 PM, Friday and 7:00 - 9:00 PM Thursday at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church. After internment at Laurel Cemetery a mercy meal will be held at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church at 3:30 PM. The Family will be receiving visitors at 855 Third St, Whitehall, PA by calling 610-360-1180. www.weberfuneralhomes.com