Memorial
Elias Joseph (Tony) Nassif, son of Elias J. Nassif, Sr. and Adele Ferris Nassif fell asleep in the Lord on -JANUARY 14, 2016 in Burbank, California, 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 state wide 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, Concerned Women for America. He was one of the founding members of the Christian Coalition
and served on Advisory Boards such as the National Council on Bible Curriculum in Public Schools, the 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 (Las Vegas), brother Donald Nassif (Denise), of Irvine California and sister, Alexandria (Sandy) Nassif of Cedar Rapids.
Prior to the Friday night Trisagion Service will be a visitation from 5-7 p.m. at St. George Church. Then the Trisagion service will be held Friday, January 29, 2016, at 7:00 pm at St. George Orthodox Church with the funeral service on Saturday, January 30, 2016, at 10:00 am.
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.