Michael J. Sabbagh, 92, of Methuen, passed away January 28 at The Holy Family Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
Michael was born in Lawrence, the son of Nadra and Rose (Ellis) Sabbagh. He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1941. He was a sergeant in the Army Air Force during World War II, and received the Distinguished Unit Badge and the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign Ribbon with six Battle Stars. After the war, Michael graduated from Suffolk University and later received a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Northeastern University.
Michael worked for the Massachusetts Division of Insurance for 36 years where he rose to become the Commissioner of Insurance. After retirement, he became an insurance consultant and a board member of several insurance companies. Michael was highly respected by the insurance industry and received the Man of the Year Award and the Insurance Professional of the Year Award. Michael also served as a Selectman for the Town of Methuen.
Michael was a kind and generous man who donated his time serving on the boards of many charitable organizations. He was the founder and long-term President of the Board of Directors of Cedars Home for the Elderly in Methuen.
Michael was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was married to his loving wife Rose (Kfoury) Sabbagh for 68 years. He was an avid sports fan, and also coached Lawrence and Methuen Little League baseball. Michael and Rose enjoyed their summers at Seabrook Beach and many rounds of golf at Abenaqui Country Club.
Michael is survived by his wife Rose, sons Michael Jr. and Joanne, Paul and wife Shannon, and daughters Donna Brucato and husband Frank, and Nancy Boshar and husband Paul, six grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Thomas and Nadra, and his sister Irene Beshara.
Friends and relatives are invited to attend visiting hours on Sunday, January 31, from 2:00PM to 6:00PM, at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street, Methuen, MA. Funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Monday, February 1 at Saint Joseph Melkite Church, 241 Hampshire Street, Lawrence, MA. Burial will follow at The United Lebanese Cemetery, Corbett Road, Andover, MA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215 or Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.