Joseph J. "Boxie" Habib, 81, a resident of Lawrence, passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at the Lawrence General Hospital.
Born in Lawrence, he was the youngest son of Milhelm (William) and Selma Habib. He was educated locally and was a graduate of Lawrence High School. As a young man, he attended St. Mary's Church where he served as an usher for many years and later attended Sacred Heart Church, his wife Terry's parish in South Lawrence, where the two were married.
Joseph had worked for his brother at Spencer and Habib Shoe in Haverhill. He served as both Assistant Tax Collector and then Tax Collector for the City of Lawrence for many years. He was also the Treasurer for the United Lebanese Charitable Society.
The widower of Theresa (Pare) Habib, and father of the late John "Johnny" Habib, Joseph's is survived by his son, Joel Habib of Lawrence; a sister, Lorraine Habib, also of Lawrence, his oldest brother Alphonse and his wife Mary of Salem, NH, a daughter-in-law: Susan Habib of New Hampshire, a granddaughter, Danielle, nephews, William and Michael Habib; and a niece: Mary Lee (Habib) Pare. Joseph was predeceased by his brothers Habib W. Habib of Atkinson, NH, and Raymond of Lawrence, as well as by his sisters Florence and Mary who had died as an infant.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at the Lawrence General Hospital for their wonderful care and support.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, August 3, 2009 at 10:00 A.M. in St. Anthony Maronite Church, 145 Amesbury St., Lawrence. Burial will be private. Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday, August 2, 2009 from 4 to 8 P.M. at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 122 Amesbury St., Lawrence, MA. To send an online condolence or for more information, please go to www.breenfuneralhome.com.