George Haddad
December 15, 1921 — April 20, 2014
George Saliam Haddad, 92, of Duluth, MN, died, Sunday, April 20, 2014 with his family by his side. He was born in Duluth on Dec. 15, 1921 to Sam and Sofie (George) Haddad and had been a lifelong resident.
George was a US Navy Veteran of World War II. He was the owner/operator of Haddad’s Family Shoe Store for forty one years.
George was a member of the Lake Avenue Loafers, American Legion and the VFW. He loved to play golf in the summer and ski in the winters. He was known as the “Skiing Sheik “and was active raising money for the handicapped skiers at professional/amateur celebrity ski races in Duluth, Vale and Aspin, CO. George was very active in the political circles in the Duluth area over the years. George and his wife, Dorothy were mentors for the Foreign Exchange Student program for many years. The two of them where instrumental in many of the programs that still continue today. They were also known for their effortless dancing.
George was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Dorothy and his son, Martin Pitonyak.
Survivors include his daughter, Samya (Wayne) Peterson of Hermantown their children, Derek Peterson, Shane (Tricia) Martinson, their children, Caitlyn, Chelesai and Taylor Martinson; Samia (Steven) Smith, their children, Wyatt, Gavin, Layla Smith; his son, Sam (Sharon) Haddad of Duluth and their children, Leah, Kristie, Sam Haddad; their children, Bella and Amarylliss Haddad; his son Bashara (Eman) Haddad of Duluth their children, Kingston Cash and Gina Haddad; his son Martin Pitonyak (deceased) and his children, Brooke, Jamie and Kenny Pitonyak; his sisters, Barbara Lind and Emiline Haddad and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A visitation will be held from 5-7pm Sunday, April 27, 2014 in the Dougherty Funeral Home Chapel where it will continue from 10:00 am until the 11:00 am Funeral Service Monday, April 28, 2014.
Military honors accorded by the Duluth Honor Guard.
Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery.
Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E. 2nd Street, Duluth, MN.