TAUNTON, MA - Wannes “Anise/Jiddu” Armani, 80, died at his Taunton home on March 11, 2012. He was surrounded by his immediate family – his loving wife, children and grandchildren.
Born in Nabha, Lebanon on Dec. 20, 1931, he was the son of the late Elias and Masihiyyah (Christian) Armani. His father was Armenian and his mother was Lebanese, both of whom were Christian Maronite.
Wannes eloped with his bride, Salma, on a Motorcycle from the Nabha Village to the city of Zahle, where they established their residence and their family.
They produced five wonderful children, Maritsa, Elie, Gabriel, André and Ronnie.
Wannes came to the U.S. when he was in his thirties, without knowing the language, or anyone, yet managed to find work, and then made sure that his family was taken care of each and every month.
It took a lot of courage to uproot from his country and come to the U.S. to start a new life.
He loved the U.S. so much, that he worked tirelessly for 15 years to bring the rest of the family.
When living in the U.S., he would call twice a month and talk to everyone in the family.
He loved traveling, and visited many Middle Eastern countries, but always chose to come back to the U.S. You could often hear him say, “This is my country”.
Over time, Wannes learned English, and was able to bring his beloved family to live with him in Boston.
Whether in English or in Arabic, he loved to share stories and laughter with his friends and family. He excelled at reciting a form of poetry that was instantaneous and in response to the other poets at the table.
You could often find him sharing jokes over a cup of wine and a meal shared with his loved ones.
He found particular joy watching his grandchildren grow.
He is survived by his wife, Salma of Taunton; his children, Maritsa and Tony Aboutaan of Woonsocket, Elie Armany of Taunton, Gabe and Sharon Armany of Stoughton, Andre and Nabil Frenn of Zahle, Lebanon, and Ronnie and Maria Armany of Medfield.
He is also survived by 15 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; his brother, George; and his sisters, Elise, Margot and Janet.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit from 8 to 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 15th at the Silva Funeral Home, 80 Broadway at St. Mary’s Square, (Rte. 138) Taunton.
A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Church, (across the street) at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. James Doherty, Celebrant.
Burial will be at Mayflower Hill Cemetery in Taunton.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on the obituary page of Silva Funeral Home website, www.silvafuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, please make all donations to St. Mary’s Church, St. Mary’s Square, Taunton, MA 02780.