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At 8:03 pm Wednesday December 26, 2012, the Patriarch of the Assaf clan in south Louisiana was finally reunited with the love of his life, our Mother - Edith Lorraine McElroy Assaf. Born in Tela, Honduras, the fourth of seven children from David Moises Assaf and Victoria Mahchi of Bethlehem and Jerusalem, respectively, our beloved Father contracted polio at 18 months of age. This disease rendered his right leg to a feeble and useless existence. Not until age 12, when he came to New Orleans at the invitation of a medical missionary to seek medical care from Touro Infirmary (as it was called) for his malady and surgical remedy, did his life's path become more clearly defined. Following the "revolutionary procedure" in which Doctor's fused the bones in his knee and ankle, and with the aid of a shoe built with an 8" lift, our Father, for the first time in his life was finally able to put weight on the leg and hence learn to walk with or without the aid of crutches. He never considered himself handicapped. Upon release from the hospital, young David, age 12, his parents far away in Honduras, not speaking a word of English, was sent to recuperate at the home of a cousin on Canal Street who happened to live next door to a beautiful young Irish girl by the name of Edith Lorraine McElroy - our Mother. From there a love affair to last almost 70 years began. Young David remained in the United States and was sent as a foreign boarding student to St. Stanislaus School in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. It was in this setting that for the next six formative years of his life did the magnitude of this frail, diminutive man, blossom into the Father, The Patriarch, indeed the Giant among men wherever he went and with whomever he associated. He entered a disciplined, challenging, foreign world at St. Stanislaus where the Brothers of The Sacred Heart, in an effort to teach him English, penalized him for speaking Spanish. They took away his crutches and forced him to learn to walk without them. He was tasked to swim in the Bay to strengthen his frail frame. They instilled a devotion to Jesus Christ and his Catholic faith which guided him throughout his life. In the six years he spent at St. Stanislaus, young David, Jr (he gave himself the moniker of Jr later in life to prevent his father from opening his mail), not only mastered the English and French languages, his academic prowess was such that he became editor of the school newspaper "The Rockashaw." He skipped a grade and graduated Valedictorian of the class of 1940 where his academic record remains among the highest in school history. He is a member of the school's Hall of Fame. To earn spending money he eventually became a "Gulf Coast Sports" reporter and sent articles to the Times Picayune and States Item in New Orleans. His family in Honduras could not afford to bring him home during the summers so he remained on campus. His "parents" were the Brothers of St. Stanislaus and of course by long distance he courted his sweetheart Edith in New Orleans with whom he corresponded it seems, on a daily basis. Unbeknownst to us, our Mother saved every letter she received from those difficult pre-war days. After graduation, our Father, wanting to go to College was instead called home to help with the family and worked for United Fruit Company shipping bananas and other produce back to New Orleans. He tried to enlist in the armed forces to serve his adopted country. Of course having polio declared him ineligible but he argued he could still type! They said no. It was their loss. In January 1942 from Honduras, he sent for his sweetheart and her Mother (Edna) whereupon they were married February 21 in a Spanish ceremony. Our sister Ednamary was born later that year in December. In late October 1943, Dad sent Mom and our sister back home to New Orleans on the fastest ship owned by United Fruit Company, all the while dodging Nazi submarines in the Gulf of Mexico. On February 10, 1944, Daddy, who by then was "head of household" and with his Mother and four siblings in tow embarked upon a 2 week odyssey by pleasure boat, train and what have you, to begin a new life in New Orleans. Daddy continued to work for United Fruit Company where he learned the export and freight forwarding business. David III was born in April 1945 and Dennis George in 1951. He bought his first home - a cottage on a dirt road called Milne Street (later Boulevard after they paved it and formed a "neutral ground"). Ever the leader and self made man, Daddy took the next step and eventually formed hisown business and "Assaf & Company Exporters" was born in 1955. Daddy was a prosperous businessman who knew the value of family and never brought work home (unlike his sons). In 1970, wanting a better home for his family but not wanting to leave his beloved Lakeview community, bought property a half mile away and built his dream home for his sweetheart. The new home, christened "El Escorial" (for the Spanish Castle in Mom's favorite Opera Don Carlo by Giuseppe Verdi), unlike the cottage on Milne Blvd would be made of brick. When the contractor delivered the bricks to the construction site, Daddy, noticing something amiss, stopped the driver from unloading and quizzed him as to their origin. He learned that Hurricane Camille of 1969 had heavily damaged the buildings of St. Stanislaus and that these were the very same bricks! Needless to say he directed the driver to finish unloading. Imagine the joy of building his new home with these same bricks and the memories from his childhood! Moving out of his church parish, he applied for permission to remain part of St. Dominic Parish whereupon he could remain active and eventually serve as President of the Holy Name Society. David Assaf, Jr was more than an astute businessman, more than a devout Catholic, devoted husband and doting father. He was a leader, a man of great principle. a poet, a singer, a romantic, an historian, a collector of all things beautiful and interesting. He was an adventurer who took us on long trips as kids and showed us the magnificence of our great country of which he was so proud to be a naturalized citizen. He saved our lives literally in the mountains of California when our brakes failed and our loaded 1960 Mercury Station Wagon almost careened off the road near a cliff. He was a smoker since age 12 (or younger) of unfiltered Lucky Strikes and who, after almost 40 years of addiction to nicotine and at the behest of our Mother one day quit "cold turkey". Such was the man of great love, conviction, self-control and discipline. We are so grateful to God for giving us such loving and devoted parents. After Katrina, as we cleaned out the beautiful but destroyed home he built with his school's bricks, we found the letters they wrote to each other while they courted. They are a testament to love and devotion. Daddy could not read them for his macular degeneration had left him virtually blind these last seven years or so. Our beautiful Father and hero, David Assaf, Jr is now once again with his sweetheart. In these terribly sad moments, we rejoice in knowing that our Mother's ten year wait for the love of her life is over. Our beautiful Daddy, polio and all is dancing in Heaven with Mom and Jesus. We love you Daddy. Kiss and hug Momma for us and one day we will all be together again. Sadly missed by the three children Ednamary (Guy), David III (Paula), Dennis George (Nancy), nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Visitation will be at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge on Saturday, December 29, 2012 from 10 am until 11:40 am. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 11441 Goodwood Blvd, Baton Rouge at noon Saturday celebrated by the Rev. Tom Duhe. Entombment will be at 3 pm, Saturday, at Lake Lawn Park Cemetery Mausoleum in New Orleans. Donations are encouraged to the New Orleans Children's Hospital. Visit the online guest book at www.rabenhorst.com.
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Dennis, Nancy, & Family, please accept my deepest sympathies and condolences on your father's passing. I will remember him at Mass and in my daily prayers.
Yours in Christ,
Steve Kujawa
January 23, 2013
Godspeed Uncle David. Love, Robby
January 14, 2013
Dear Dennis and family,
I was saddened to hear of the loss of your father. He was such a wonderfully optimistic man. I will always be grateful for his friendship to my father through business and at
St. Dominic. Being an usher at St. Dominic truly enriched my father's life, and I know that your father made him feel welcome there.
You and your family are in our prayers,
Sandra(Seither)and Lloyd Boudreaux
Houston TX
Sandra Boudreaux
January 2, 2013
May your father,grandfather&great-grandfather rest in peace. I was touched and honored to read about him. My condolences to all his family.
Trish &Tom Turner
January 2, 2013
I am here in freeport n.y. With Linda our cousin and we just read your dad's obituary. What a life well lived! Please accept my condolence during this sad time. We just looked at a photo taken when we were together @ Aunt Doretha's (my mother's sister) home after her funeral. I will be praying for the family..may your memories keep each of you strong!
Christal Bridgeforth
January 1, 2013
I enjoyed taking care of mr. David.. I will miss his great stories.. god bless your. Family to have had such a wonderful person in your lives
Davina Jacobs
December 30, 2012
While perusing the obituaries as New Orleanians do, I was attracted to your father's obituary. You presented such a beautiful story of your father's life that I couldn't stop reading. He had a full life and one to be proud of as I see you were so very proud of him. Rest assured, he is at peace in the hands of our precious Lord. God bless the family.
Diane Tillman
December 29, 2012
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of Mr. Assaf. I had the pleasure of working for your father many years ago. It was my first real summer job. My grandfather, Harrington Murphy, was his bookkeeper, and he introduced me to your father, who hired me to help in the office. I did not know much about his life until I read the obituary. What a magnificent example of a life well lived. May our Lord comfort you in your time of sorrow.
David Canale
December 29, 2012
Our toughts and prayers are coming all the way from France to share this difficult moment with you all, sending a special sign of sympathy and love to Alessandra Assaf, godmother of our daughter Gabriela.
Francine Burlet Almeida
December 29, 2012
Uncle David's was a presence that leaves an impression. A good and lasting one. A constructive one that lights the way. He is so missed. Roxane Assaf
Roxane Assaf
December 29, 2012
A real Lakeview pioneer. Sorry for your loss, Robby. He was one of the best from the best generation. Your family still bears the fruits of his accomplishments. My prayers are with you and your wonderful family. God Bless! Sharon Seither Dobard
Sharon Seither Dobard
December 28, 2012
Can tell by the obituary that Mr. Assaf was truly special. He faced adversity, but never gave up and through hard work found his American dream. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Carol Palmisano
December 28, 2012
Dennis, My thoughta and prayers are with you and your family. I was one of your Diamondhead fans.I have recently moved back to New Orleans and hope to get to some of your productions. Meantime I send you my heartfelt sympathy, Sue Stewart
December 28, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
clara and felix caserta
December 28, 2012
I read the orbituaries from T.P. in N>O> all the time. I did know your father and mother since many years ago. I am now 87 yrs and the widow of David A. Kattan. My husband, David, and your father, David, led similar lives. My husband was also born in Honduras and was sent to Holy Cross Boarding School in N>O. My husband introduced me to your father. My husband also had a bad left leg and was wearing a brace when I met him and then went to work for him as his secretary in his import export business I later married my boss. We were married 48 years when he left this world. I miss him till this day. I offer my sympathy to all of you. It seems as tho our families are also similar. My oldest grandchild was born with autism 34 years ago. Take comfort knowing these two friends will meet again in the Heavenly Kingdom.
Thelma Kattan
December 28, 2012
Please accept our sincere sympathy during this time of sorrow.
Shelli Ali
December 28, 2012
My condolences to the Assaf Family. As
an SSC graduate, I was aware of Mr. Assaf's numerous achievements. Thank you for sharing the life of a truly good man with us. May God bless you.
David Alvarez
December 28, 2012
What a wonderful tribute to your father. Your father was a person everyone would have been honored to know. Our sympathy and condolence to the family.
Darrel and Lorna Beerbohm
December 28, 2012
Sorry to hear about your loss. An amazing story of an amazing man and family.
Michael Pejsach
December 28, 2012
This news came as a shock to me as I spoke to him right before Christmas. David was a great friend and person that I have known for many years. He was so thoughtful all the time. Since Katrina, we were moved far away from each other. He will be sadly missed. May God bless and keep you in His paradise. I know you will be content in Heaven with your wife. I will pray for you and your family and will treasure our memories.
Tony Caruso
December 28, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I always knew your Dad and Mom were special but after reading the beautiful obituary it only confirms how awesome they truly were. God bless.
Donna Whittenburg
December 28, 2012
Dennis--I did not have the pleasure of knowing your Dad---until Today...Thanks for sharing his life with us!
Keith Glaeser
December 28, 2012
I do not know your father but this was a beautiful obituary! Your father seemed like a wonderful gentleman. Sorry for your loss.
December 28, 2012
David and Paula:
Sorry to read about your Dad. He was obviously a great guy and I always enjoyed seeing him at Mass and talking to him. I think he was surprised that I knew him and visited with him. God bless him.
Bill
Pat and Bill Bailey
December 28, 2012
What a wonderful tribute to your father , and also your mother.you all were very blessed to have such devoted ,loving parents! I am sure they are happily reunited today, and proud of their beautiful family.thank you for sharing such a beautiful story.Our world needs more loving ,committed parents such as yours.My deepest sympathy to you all on this sad day.
December 28, 2012
What a beautiful testament of love and devotion to family. You all are very blessed.
Anonymous
December 28, 2012
What an amazing tribute to an amazing man! I do not know you, but I know of your pain at the loss of your beloved father as I lost my mom on 12/17/12. I, like all of you, take comfort in knowing that she is once again dancing in the arms of my dad who has been waiting for her for 30 1/2 years. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Inez Siegrist
December 28, 2012
What a beautiful tribute!
Angela
December 28, 2012
I did not know your father but what a beautiful testament to a wonderful man....may he and the love of his life rest in peace and rejoice in the lord.
Jan
December 28, 2012
Dennis,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult period.
Dr. Greg Domecq
December 28, 2012
Dennis,
We are very sorry to hear of your loss. He surely was a great man and wonderful father.
Sterling Snowdy St John Theatre
December 28, 2012
Dear Cousins,
We were so sorry to hear about your Dad. He was always so kind to us, and our Dear Mother (Nena) loved him so. Our hearts ache for his loss. Our prayers are with you.
Annette Walker Gonzales, Jim Walker and Walt Gonzales
December 28, 2012
Don David, I will never forget the time I spent while being you Secretary. You gave me the opportunity to stay in this country also since I had been in New Orleans seeking employment with no avail and I was thinking about going back to my native country, Honduras, when I was employed by you in your company, Assaf & Company, where I worked eight years and was able to bring my two children, my son Hector David Laines and my daughter, Rosalinda Beatrice Laines. I look back at those days and although you were a strict boss, you were also very understanding when my children got sick. I know you are with dona Edith now and are happy together in the heavens with our loving Heavenly Father. Rosa Maria
December 27, 2012
David and Paula, our prayers are with you and your family.
Terry and Tony Arikol
December 27, 2012
EdnaMary,David,and Dennis,
Mike and I are so sorry for your great loss. Uncle David was a wonderful man and we will never forget his kindness and thoughtfulness to us. My parents loved and respected your Dad. Please know that you and all of your families are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.May God Bless you and bring you comfort in your time of sorrow.
With our Deepest Sympathy and Love,
Mike and Vicki Wilcox
Mike and Vicki Wilcox
December 27, 2012
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