Sami S. Haddad

Sami Haddad passed away on September 25, 2011 at age 90. Sami was a long time resident of Las Cruces. He was born in Barchine, Syria on Dec. 5, 1920. He was the eldest son of Sirhan & Regina (Nader). During WWII he was placed under house arrest then later sent to a French concentration camp. He immigrated to the U.S. in 1947 and eventually came to El Paso where he met his wife Laila and they were married in Las Cruces on Dec. 18, 1947. They lived in El Paso for many years where Sami owned the Eagle Cafe and where 5 children were born. Sheri Lorenzo (John) of Las Cruces, Marwan Haddad, Susie Stewart (Billy) of Nashville, TN, Rocky (Gene) Galassini of La Luz, NM, and Dee Marshall of Las Cruces. Sami moved the family to Las Cruces in 1965 where he bought and operated the Casa Luna Restaurant for many years until he retired in 2000. Sami came to this country an immigrant with a few dollars in his pocket, worked hard, was productive and on February 16, 1995, Sami became a United States citizen. Laila preceded him in death in 1989. His parents and siblings Husni, Victoria, Mounira, and Salem also preceded him in death. Sami has 10 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. Sami is also survived by two sisters, Najet (Syria) and Virginie (France), and a brother, Mounir (Syria) and many nieces and nephews. Sami loved his family and although he was oceans away from them they were always in his heart. The family is honoring his wishes by cremation and no services. The family has planned a private gathering to celebrate his life. Should friends desire to keep his memory alive the family asks that a donation be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital in his name. PDF Printable Version