Msgr. Maroun P Asmar

Monsignor Maroun P. Asmar, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 22, 2021 at the Sisters of the Cross retirement home for priests, in Brumanna, Lebanon. He was 87.

Born in Jezzine, Lebanon, he had an interest in becoming a priest while in high school. Lack of finances led him to leave Jezzine and go to Beirut to learn the trade of cabinet making. He then opened up a cabinet shop in Jezzine and served in the Lebanese Army as an instructor in the Engineering Section, from 1953-1956. He married Genevieve Asmar, and they immigrated to the United States in 1956.

After arriving in the United States, he held various construction jobs. He joined the New York Transit Authority in 1964, as a Carpenter's Helper. He eventually became the Field Representative to the Union. He was elected the first Secretary Treasurer for the Subway Surface Supervisor's Association. He became Union President in 1991, and retired from the Union in 1994.

Religious life always had a calling. He was ordained a Sub Deacon in 1979. In 1981, he was knighted by Archbishop Zayek into the Order of the Knights of St. Sylvester, from His Holiness Pope John Paul II, for his support and untiring effort to aid the war victims in Lebanon. He was ordained a Deacon in 1986. He played an instrumental role in bringing TeleLumiere to the United States, and to provide support to ensure the word of Christ is broadcasted globally.

After his wife Genevieve passed away in 1990, Abouna Maroun started preparations to become a priest. He was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Archbishop Zayek in 1993. His first assignment was Assistant to Chorbishop Michael Thomas at St. Sharbel's Church, and became the Pastor in 1994. The parish flourished under Abouna's guidance, and he devotedly served until his retirement in 2010. In 2003 he was assigned Administrator of Our Lady Star of the East Mission in Pleasantville, NJ. In 2007 he was elevated to the rank of Monsignor as a Chaplain to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI by His Excellency Bishop Gregory Mansour.

Upon his retirement Monsignor Maroun was Chaplain at St. Peter's Hospital and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.

He is predeceased by his wife Genevieve Asmar (d. 1990), his son Paul Asmar (d. 2020), and his brother Antoine Asmar.

Surviving are his daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Charles Smith of Somerset, his son Peter Asmar of Cary, NC, his grandchildren Jacqueline, Joseph, Michael and Melissa, and his great granddaughter Brooke, and his sister Antoinette in Brooklyn, brother Joseph and sisters Marie, Rosette and Isabelle, of Lebanon. He is also survived by many loving parishioners of St. Sharbel's Church.

A Memorial Mass will be Sunday, October 24th, 11:00 am, at St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church, Easton Avenue, Somerset. Burial was in Jezzine, Lebanon.

Local arrangements are by The Crabiel Home for Funerals, 170 N Main St-at Riva Avenue, Milltown. You may sign the obituary online condolence "guestbook" at www.crabiel.com

Contributions may be made in Msgr. Maroun's name to help the neediest; checks made payable to the Eparchy of St. Maron and sent to 109 Remsen Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201-4212.