Obituary: SHOOL, JOSEPH

Joseph J ShoolNovember 15, 1915 ~ October 13, 2012Having enjoyed his last meal "ham and eggs," visited by dear friends and family, with a Lebanese song sung by his sister playing in his ear and wearing his white cap and glasses, Joe Shool breathed his last breath. Joseph J Shool born on the 15th day of November 1915 to his beloved Lebanese parents Bolos and Martha Shool, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family and friends Saturday the 13th day of October 2012 at 1:22 that afternoon, just one month prior to his 97th birthday.Joseph J Shool was born in Portland Oregon, to Lebanese parents that immigrated to the United States of America for the freedom and opportunity of this great land, leaving behind a sister he had never met as she was forced to return to Lebanon because of an illness. In the early 1900 Joe and his family moved to Utah settling down in Salt Lakes City's west side to find opportunity and work near the Rio Grande, Rail Road. Joe learned from a very young age that necessity was the mother of invention, so he learned how to work hard and appreciate what God blessed him and his family with. Joe's father Bolos created a discount grocery store with affordable provisions that all could afford. His father taught Joe about giving by offering charity to many of the immigrants that could not afford the basics. At the young age of 5 years old Joe sold newspapers on the street corner for 2 cents per paper, Joe would holler out the daily headline with "Get your newspapers here," with the money he earned he gave it to his parents to help support the family. As a young Catholic boy Joe loved singing in the youth choir and sometimes he had the pleasure of singing at the Cathedral of the Madeleine. He was also an Altar boy and had a deep love for Catholicism throughout his life and expressed that love with a helpful hand and through charity. Joe attended Judge Memorial and West High school and was honored to be the first in his family to attend a university, the University of Utah. When Joe was not studying he made time for a special lady, Ruth Pia or Ruthie, Ruth loved Joe and together with a little one, Florence, he had a family of his own. With a loving family, an education and the street smart talent he learned from his youth, Joe opened a store inside a barn on 1st south and 400 east selling items he purchased from the railroad. From a humble store to a grand store at 359 So State Street Joe opened "Shools Railroad Damaged Furniture," Joe found treasure in what some called junk. With a little vision, Ruth's creativity, hard work and the dream that all things were possible, Joe became a very wise and successful businessman. Joe made life fun and exciting by taking chances, having a great sense of humor and keeping positive through challenging times. During Joe's successful years he had the largest animated Neon sign in Utah on top of his store. Every 24th of July Joe had a float in the Parade representing his store; he was an ambassador and gave tours to VIP's visiting Utah, people like Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. Joe worked with RKO studios and had the opportunity to have a small part in Jimmy Stewart's Mr. Kruger's Christmas and a part in the movie, Noah's Ark. Joe had a passion for life, a deep love for his family and for religion and old world tradition. Being Lebanese he shared his love from the kitchen, he and Ruth, Sister Alice, Helen, Dorothy and daughter Florence created and shared wonderful Lebanese foods. In January of 1970 Joes Ruthie passed on from a long battle with cancer, Joe's world stopped but life marched on and Joe would marry again to a kind lady in California. Near a place close to his beloved brother Ben, Joe married Mary Malouf a wonderful and kind hearted Lebanese women that shared many of Joe's passions. Unfortunately once again another sad ending, Mary soon passed away. Staying positive Joe took pleasure in his daughter's grand children remembering the joys of family and all the love that came his way. Joe found love once again with Susie Martin and her three wonderful children; Joe loved Susie's children and they loved and admired him. Susie was Joes loving companion and friend and shared many special life experiences together. Susie was always there standing by her man with enduring dedication continuing steadfast until his departure.Generations of kindness and love Joe was a caring husband, a dear friend, a father figure, a dotting grandfather, proud great grandfather and amazed great-great grandfather; Joe touched many lives seeing everyone and everything as special and unique and making others feel good about themselves through knowing him.Joe's dear mother and father Bolos and Martha and ever present brother Ben, sister Helen, Alice and Dorothy have all past on but were spiritually present in his departure from this life. Joe is survived by Ruthie's daughter, Joe's special little girl Florence Halliday, her children Debbie, Tommy, Ricky, Dana, Susi and Mikey and many loving grand and great grand children. Survived by Susie Martin and her children David, Wendy and Christopher and their loving children, Joe is remembered as special person in their lives. He is also Survived by generations of his loving Lebanese families, including the Anton's, the Zalet's, dear nieces and nephews, relatives from all around, and friends and families from the old world . Kind thanks to all the staff and care givers at the Silverado Alzheimer's Care center for their acts of kindness and generosity during Joe's short stay and to all the Hospice care givers that helped Joe keep his good looks and happy smile. Thank you Father Stan and Father Andrew, Rev Gebran Bou-Merhi for your blessings that you gave to Joe. Services will be held at the Saint Ambrose Catholic Church, 1975 South 2300 East Salt Lake City, UT 84108Viewing will be held at Saint Ambrose Catholic Church Tuesday October 16th 2012 Viewing at 6p.m. Vigil at 7p.m.Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Ambrose Catholic Church Wednesday October 17th 2012 at 10a.m. with visitation meeting with the families prior to the mass at 9a.m. in the church.For pictures and the complete obituary please visit www.lifeofacatholicteen.com