June 11, 2012       

WATERTOWN, N.Y.  —  William Habeeb, 87, of Cooper Street, died Sunday evening, June 10, at the Samaritan Medical Center.

Born May 15, 1925, in Watertown, the son of Lotaf and Shemsie Habeeb, he was a graduate of Watertown High School and served in the Navy during World War II. 

He returned home to operate the Red & White grocery store on Mill Street along with his brothers for over 50 years until retiring in 1985.

Mr. Habeeb was a member and past treasurer for the North Side Improvement League, a lifetime member of the Watertown Elks, the Italian American Club and  the Watertown American Legion. 

He enjoyed bass fishing, gardening and loved sports especially the New York Yankees and the New York Giants.

Surviving are his wife, Emily (Artz)  Habeeb; three children and their spouses, John (Sandra) Habeeb, Watertown; Sharon (Karl) McGrann, Charlotte, NC; Mark (Diane) Habeeb, Sackets Harbor. His grandchildren Adam (Jennifer Vespa) McGrann, Charlotte, NC, Ryan McGrann, Charlotte, NC; Dylan Habeeb and his fiancé Sarah Ward, Watertown. His sisters- in-law Hannah Habeeb, Watertown, Kamley Habeeb, Joanne Derrigo, Carthage.  A brother in law Kirk Taylor, Chaumont; many nieces and nephews. 

Three brothers George , Victor and Nagia Habeeb, and four sisters, Mary Rezak, Emily Khammar, Rose Feisthamel and Alice Habeeb,  all died before him.

The funeral service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 13, at Reed & Benoit Funeral Home with Rev. Walter Giles officiating. Burial will follow in North Watertown Cemetery. Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 12, at the funeral home. A reception will be held at Sboros Restaurant, 836 Coffeen St., following the burial service on Wednesday.

Contributions may be made in his honor to the North Side Improvement League, Watertown.

Online condolences may be made at www.reedbenoit.com.







Information provided by Reed & Benoit Funeral Home and Newzjunky, Watertown, N.Y.