Norman Naseem Elias

Norman Naseem Elias
"We will continue to love God and love one another," were some of the last words Norman Naseem Elias, 84, heard from his children and grandchildren before he was delivered into the hands of his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. His wife Alice of 56 years and all his family surrounded him when he passed away May 14, 2018.
Born January 19, 1934, in Barberton, Norman was a lifetime resident of the Akron area, living in Manchester since 1940. He and Alice founded the Elias Insurance Agency and headed it for 50 years before retiring in 2013.
Church and family were foremost in Norman's life. He was a life-long member of Akron St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, which his grandfather, father and uncles helped found and last year marked its 100th anniversary. Norman held every office in the parish council, was a lifetime council member and was active in many activities including youth and building fund drives. Last year he and Alice were awarded Distinguished Lifetime Service Awards.
Norman held a perfect record for attending every event involving his children and grandchildren, including sports, awards, graduations, theatrical productions and of course baptisms and weddings. Surviving to cherish his memory besides his wife are his children, Renee (Rev. Deacon James) Reale, Norman (Diane Myers) Elias, Bill (Larry Camp) Elias, and Allie (Tim Lovell) Elias. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Selana, Nicholas and Mikayla Reale, Jasmine (Paul) Durbak, Rebecca (Mike) Noecker, Laura (Scott) Boyert, Katherine (Roman) Voytkiv, Joe Elias, Lance, Carly and Kendall Anenson, and Marisa and Erika Lovell; and a great-grandson Noecker due to arrive in August.
Also surviving are his sister, Jerrie Elias; and sisters-in-law, Beverly and Delores Elias; and scores of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends who are considered extended family. Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Rose Elias; brother, Robert; sisters, Eileen (Bill) Hanna and Betty (Leo) Jacob; and newly departed brother, George.
A graduate of Manchester High and the University of Akron, Norman served in the U.S. Army for two years, and loved to recall that he was once honored to serve as Honorary General for a Day. Active in his community, Norman was a long time Rotary and Kiwanis member as well as the Manchester Boosters. For four years he and Alice headed the Committee for Manchester graduates, which raised funds to finance senior class trips.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Friday at St. George Orthodox Church with Rev. John Alassaf assisted by Archdeacon Joseph Harb and Deacon James Reale officiating. Friends may call 4-8 p.m. Thursday at St. George Orthodox Church and 1 hour before services on Friday. Trisagion prayer service to be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at the church. Interment with military honors will be at Rose Hill Burial Park. Memorials may be made to the St. George Building Fund, 3204 Ridgewood Rd., Akron, OH 44333. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)