LEGACY
DOMINGO
HANDAL
We are deeply saddened by the loss of a dear friend and leader of the Bethlehem Association. Born in Chamelecon, Honduras, and raised in Bethlehem, Palestine, Domingo Handal was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He met the instant love of his life, Linda, and they married at the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem, or as he referred to it, Jesus's Town. While trading imports and exports, he, Linda, and their growing family lived and traveled in Kuwait, Iraq, and Jordan. Each of their children was born in a different country. His business eventually led him to New York City, and finally to Jersey City, NJ where he established a deli and neighborhood ice cream parlor, the latter of which became a permanent fixture on Central Avenue for more than 40 years.
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Domingo's passion and commitment to community are perhaps best exemplified through his integral roles as a founding member and leader of two causes very near and dear to his heart-- Jersey City, Central Avenue Special Improvement District, and the Bethlehem Association. In Jersey City he was known as the "Godfather of Central Avenue" and "Baba" to many, earning his seat as a community legend. Together, Domingo and Linda devoted over 30 years on the board of the Bethlehem Association, a charitable organization that supports the communities of Bethlehem.
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He was generous, mischievously quick-witted, funny, and always ready for a dance-off or a push-up contest. His integrity was unshakable, and while he had much to boast about, he never once indulged. He and Linda instilled these traits in their children and grandchildren -- there is not one of his descendants that can say they weren't shaped, in one way or another, by his and Linda's guidance and love. For those that were there to shape you, never truly leave you.
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Domingo will forever be remembered by his five devoted children, Vida and her husband Samir Handal, Vera and her husband Nassib Faris, Florence and her husband Pierre Fersa, David and his wife Michelle Handal, and Christine Handal; 13 loving grandchildren, Sanielle, Ramzi, John, Renee, Nicole, Kristina, Ramie, Alex, Andre, Gabriella, Anthony, Andrew, Michael; and his five great-granddaughters, Alia, Maggie, Loretta, Theodora, and Nora. He is now reunited in heaven with his beloved wife, Linda, and his siblings Kamal and Shafique. Domingo is survived by his siblings, George, Elaine, and Olga.
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He always believed in leaving something better than you found it, and that is exactly what he did.
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To honor Domingo and Linda's passion and hard work within
the Bethlehem Association, in lieu of flowers please consider a gift to:
Bethlehem Association
Scholarship Fund
PO Box 1111
Media, PA 19063
Please make a check to Bethlehem Association Scholarship Fund.
In the memo line of the check please write "memory of Domingo Handal."
LINDA
HANDAL
We are deeply saddened by the loss of a dear friend and leader of the Bethlehem Association. Linda Handal was a founding member of the Association who with her family of five children attended the first convention of the Association in 1986. Soon after, she brought her family to work in support of the Association. She was Convention organizer and membership secretary for almost twenty years and, with the support of her husband Domingo and her children, she was a enthusiastic supporter and prominent fund raiser. Her sister Lily who is married to Domingo's late Brother Shafiq quickly joined in with their family and both extended families worked hard to grow the Bethlehem Association in New Jersey, the East Coast and abroad. The Handal families and relatives were always a large contingent at the annual conventions and volunteered their time and resources to make them successful. They contributed generously to the Association and the Scholarship fund which helped make the Association viable financially and brought much needed help to charitable institutions in their native town of Bethlehem.
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Linda's warm and friendly manner attracted many Bethlehemites to join the Association. She was gracious but firm, a prudent and strategic negotiator with all the hotels and entertainers we had to deal with, always getting a favorable deal. This made every convention she organized a great reunion and a financial success in helping Bethlehem.
We are all privileged to have known and worked with Linda. We shall hold pleasant and worthy memories of our time together. We extend our warm prayers for her soul and deep sympathy to all her family and friends. May she rest in Peace in Heaven with the angels and the promise of resurrection.
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Linda's family is setting up a Bethlehem Association Scholarship in her name. The Scholarship Fund awards Tuition fees at Bethlehem University and two other Colleges. This year it is awarding 28 scholarships. The awardees are chosen on merit by the Association and the families who have contributed. The aim is to help young people to stay in Bethlehem and yet get a good college education.
Please consider contributing in memory of Linda Handal to this scholarship.
She would be so pleased!
Mail your contributions to:
The Bethlehem Association Scholarship Fund
In Memory of Linda Handal
P.O.Box 1111 Media, PA 19063
JOE
DIBSY
We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend Joe Dibsy. Joe was a mentor for all the Association members, and was as a Godfather to all Los Angeles board members.
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Joe was the first who founded Los Angles Chapter in 1986. Dr. E. Hazboun and others met at Joe’s home and the first board for LA chapter established. Since 1986 Joe and his wife Arlette never stopped in providing full support and energy to LA chapter and to Bethlehem Association at large. He held the positions of Los Angeles Chapter President
And a National Board Member since 1986.
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Joe was a loving husband, caring father and a true friend which we miss him dearly. Joe did not stop In Serving The Bethlehem Association only, he continued to serve his community as well. Joe was a member/board member with the Lion’s Club, PCRF and Buena Park Chamber of commerce.
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His soul will never depart us. May he rest his peace with the Angels in Heaven.