Obituary of Robert M. E. Fadel

Robert M.E. Fadel died on December 5, 2023 in Falls Church, Virginia. Robert was born in Niagara Falls, New York, on March 23, 1935. The proud son of Lebanese immigrants, he was a graduate of Niagara Falls High School and earned Bachelor’s and Masters’ Degrees from Michigan State University.  He met his wife Krystalia (Kokolaki) at MSU. They married on November 12, 1961 at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Niagara Falls.

During his life he called many places home. Beyond Niagara Falls, he lived in Lansing, MI, Charlotte, NC, Athens, Greece, Lynnfield, MA and Arlington, VA. Along his journey he worked as a high school teacher, an English department head, and an owner of restaurants. After retiring in Greece, he returned to the United States in 1997. Deacon Michael served at St. Vasilios Orthodox Church, Peabody, MA. He and Kristi were founders of, and active in, Orthodox ministries throughout their lives. He retired as a Deacon in 2019.

Family and friends will remember Robert as loving, curious, and empathetic. He was always ready to travel to new places, meet new people, enjoy a lively conversation and have a good laugh. Robert was also always ready to console, comfort, and encourage others. Throughout his life, he remained true to himself and his faith in God.

Survived by his devoted wife Kristi and his children Eva (Jeff Beranek) Fadel and Demetri (Julie) Fadel. Robert was an immensely proud Giddo to Alexander Beranek, Gabriel Fadel, Natalya Beranek, and Sebastian Fadel. His grandchildren’s studies, travels, and interests continuously fascinated him. Robert is survived by his nephew Michael (Arlie) Skory, and nieces Renee (Robert) Zaleski and Athena Rowell.

Suffering severe illness as a child, Robert’s parents despaired that their son would live to adulthood. Robert survived all his siblings, who he missed terribly;

Joseph (Nettie) Elias, Agnes Fadel, Lorraine (Stanley) Bialik, Anne (George) Sawma, Nettie Fadel, Beatrice (Mitchel) Skory and Ronald (Diane) Fadel. Robert survived his niece and goddaughter, Linda Bailhe.

The family will receive visitors from 10:30 -11 am on December 8 at St. Mary’s Orthodox Church at 7223 Roosevelt Ave, Falls Church, Virginia. The Funeral Liturgy will be held at 11 am. Internment will immediately follow at Columbia Gardens, 3411 Arlington Blvd, Arlington, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, a gift in his memory may be made to St. Mary’s (www.stmaryorthodox.org) or the Karam Foundation (www.karamfoundation.org).