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Memory Eternal! + Philip Haddad

Edward “Philip” A. Haddad died peacefully in his sleep with his beloved wife by his side.

Philip and Guinevere Haddad were married 64 years.

Philip was born and raised in Charleston and his parents were Andrew Haddad and Maheba Howard Haddad.

While in school, he served as a page in the West Virginia Senate. Philip always gave credit to Charles Lively, who arranged for him to serve in the Senate. He considered this experience an honor and very valuable later in life.

At an early, age Philip's father passed away and he left school to help his mother support the family. He went to work for his uncle in the produce business. Philip worked there until he enlisted in the U.S. Army Infantry. He obtained the rank of sergeant and was on Normandy Beach, France, the day following D-Day. While in the military, he was wounded and received two Purple Hearts. Part of his recuperation time was done at Ashford General Hospital, which is now The Greenbrier.

Many years later, Philip, his wife, and several friends visited Normandy, France, and met with the superintendent of the cemetery. When the superintendent learned that Philip had been on the beach, he presented him with an American flag similar to the ones placed on a fallen soldier's grave; a few pebbles from the beach; and Taps was played on his behalf.

After returning from the war, he married Guinevere Elias and they worked together as owners of a fruit stand, and later as owners of The Medicine Shoppes. They retired from The Medicine Shoppe at the age of 52. After that, he developed an interest in the real estate business, thus forming the Haddad Land Company. Gene Embrogno, a personal friend, became his mentor and Philip found his expertise invaluable.

Philip was a lifelong member of St. George Orthodox Cathedral, where he served as president of the Parish Council several times or as chairman of various committees. He was also a member of the Order of St. Ignatius on a local and national level.

After serving 35 years as a prominent member of the board of directors of the Antiochian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Philip Saliba awarded him a Silver and a Gold Medal of Honor for his outstanding years of service. He was also known as the best, most flamboyantly dressed man at an Archdiocese Convention.

He was a founding member of St. Paul's Orthodox Church of Naples, Florida, where he served on various committees.

Philip realized the importance of an education and, along with his wife, established the Philip A. Haddad Scholarship Fund with St. George Orthodox Cathedral. Scholarships have been awarded to 190 members of the cathedral who have graduated from high school and wish to attend college. The funds were used to defray college expenses.

Mayor Kemp Melton presented Philip with a Key to the City and he served on the Urban Renewal Committee for many years under different mayors.

For many years he generously gave produce to Manna Meal. He also gave boxes of candy for the homeless at Christmas.

He was preceded in death by his father, Andrew Haddad; mother, Maheba Howard Haddad; and sister, Mary Haddad.

He is survived by his wife, Guinevere; brother, George (Rose) of Lexington, Kentucky; a niece, Elizabeth (Tom) Smith; two nephews, George, Jr. (Sabrina) and Philip Gregory (Monica); two great-nephews and eight great-nieces.

Special thanks are extended to Josephine Stanley; dear friends John and Neva Haddy and to his wonderful caregivers, Donna Whiting, Gunna Early, Chris Kabir and Greg Richardson for their outstanding service which was has been greatly appreciated.

 


His Grace Bishop Basil writes:

MEMORY ETERNAL! Philip Haddad, a longtime member of the Archdiocesan Board of Trustees, fell asleep in Christ last evening in Charleston, West Virginia. Philip is survived by his wife Gwena. Condolences may be sent to the family c/o Fr. Olof Scott, dean of St. George Cathedral in Charleston, at frolof@suddenlink.net. May he be granted Paradise, and may you be granted long life.