Obituary of Norman Abdallah

Norman Abdallah, 97, formerly of Levydale Park, Cortland, passed away January 17, 2012 at Cortland Park Care Center. Mr. Abdallah was born September 3, 1914 in Binghamton the son of the late Issac and Esma Abdallah. Mr. Abdallah had been a longtime resident of the area. Throughout his life he had worked in several different positions. In 1952 he and his wife purchased the Varsity Cigar Store and Soda Bar on Main St., Cortland and together they operated it until 1967. During this same period he was operating a wholesale candy and vending business. In 1970 he and his wife opened the Varsity Liquor Store and eventually moved it to its present location. He was an active member of the Cortland Elks Lodge and a member of the Cortland Country Club where he was able to enjoy his passion for golf. Mr. Abdallah is survived by his son; William (Peggy) of Auburn, NY, one daughter Patricia Patriarco (Nick Papi) of Cortland. Two sisters; Lillian (Raymond) Fadel of Niagara Falls and Katherine Moore of Poughkeepsie and Sarasota, FL. His grandchildren; Annette (Scott) Morris, Denise (Tony) Foster, David and Ben Abdallah, great grandsons; Nathan Foster and Bryan and Tim Morris as well as several nieces and nephews. Mr. Abdallah was predeceased by his wife of 71 years Rose Ferris Abdallah in December of 2008, his brother K. Edward and sisters Julia Ferris and Margaret Mokhiber. A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 AM at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Ave. with the Rev. Peter Williams officiating. Interment in the Cortland Rural Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the funeral home Friday evening 4:00- 7:00 PM. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Cortland Elks Lodge, 9 Groton Ave, Cortland, 13045, JM McDonald Sports Complex, 4292 Fairground Dr. , Cortland 13045 or the Walkie Talkies Relay for Life Team c/o Patricia Patriarco. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the Cortland Care Center and especially the Parkside Unit for the excellent care given to their father. To offer condolences on line visit www.wright-beard.com. Dear Bill, Peggy, David and Ben, My heart felt sympathy to the family. Thinking of you. Kelly Palmer Bill Abdallah and Family So sorry to read about your dad's passing. What a sweet and gentle man he was. My sympathy to you and to your family. Carol Brewer Fenton