SPRINGFIELD – Edward A. Ghareeb, 94, a longtime resident of the Atwater Park Section of Springfield, passed into Eternal Life on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at Baystate Medical Center surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born in Northampton on September 6, 1921, a beloved son of the late Assad and Marina (Skaff) Ghareeb. At a young age, his family moved to Springfield where he graduated in 1939 from the former Classical High School. Ed served his country during World War II in the United States Army and attained the rank of Technician Fifth Grade. He received the World War II Victory Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Medal and the American Theatre Medal. In 1947, following his military service, he and his father founded Pioneer Shade & Awning Company in the Hungry Hill section of Springfield. In 1962, Ed purchased Chilson’s Shops, Inc. in Northampton. He later relocated the company to Easthampton where it continues to thrive today. He was actively involved in the business with his brother Ernest and his sons, Edward and David. In fact, he never retired. He was a longtime member of the Springfield Country Club where he enjoyed playing cards with his friends. He was also a founding member and treasurer of the Syrian-Lebanese American Club on Chapin Terrace, a lifetime member of the Springfield Lodge of Elks and a 32nd Degree Mason. Most of all, he was happiest spending time with his family. He especially loved Christmas Eve celebrations and vacationing at Old Orchard Beach and Virginia Beach. He leaves his beloved wife and soul mate, Dolores “Dee” (Razoog) Ghareeb. They were married in Grand Rapids, Michigan on May 14, 1950 and were blessed with over 65 years of happiness together. He also leaves his three loving children, Cindy Hashim of Pittsfield, Edward G. Ghareeb and his wife, Peg, of Southampton and David A. Ghareeb and his wife, Kim, of Easthampton; his six grandchildren whom he adored, Jennifer Hashim and her husband, Brendan Sheran, Joseph Hashim, III, Nathan Ghareeb, Nicholas Ghareeb, Jack Ghareeb and Chelsey Ghareeb; his cherished great-grandson, Maxwell Sheran; his three sisters, Vivian Doummar of Virginia Beach, VA, Lorraine “Lorrie” Hadad of Rockville, MD and Jeannette N. “Jan” Ghareeb of West Springfield; his brother, Ernest V. Ghareeb and his wife, Jeanette, of Springfield; and his many nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and extended members of the Ghareeb and Razoog families. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his two sisters, Sally Hyder who was Called Home on May 16, 2007; and Ann N. “Dear” Hynes who was Called Home on November 21, 2015; his five brothers-in-law, Theodore “Ted” Hyder, Robert E. Hynes, Habib “Hap” Doummar, Salem “Buzz” Hadad and Joseph Ghareeb. His family will receive friends on Monday, January 18, 2016 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107. His funeral will be held on Tuesday morning, January 19, 2016 where he will lie in state beginning at 10 a.m. followed by a Funeral Service at 10:30 a.m. at Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 2320 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01107. His burial with United States Army Military Honors will follow the Service at Fairview Cemetery, Abbey Memorial Drive, Chicopee, MA 01020. His family has requested that memorial donations be made in his memory to Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, c/o Lebanese Fund, 22 Saint George Road, Springfield, MA 01104. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com