Peter Barsoum Jr

Peter Barsoum, Jr., 84, of Shrewsbury, passed away, Monday, October 19, 2009 in UMass Hospital. Peter is survived by his loving wife of sixty-one years, Rose (Shabo) Barsoum; two daughters, Diane Grossman and her husband David of Quincy and Katherine Beesley of Marblehead; a son, James Barsoum and his wife Susan Schiffer of Lexington; a brother, George Barsoum of Northborough and a sister, Margaret Colwell of Sturbridge; three grandchildren, Katherine, Sara, and Julia; many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by three brothers, Elias, Jack, and Ephraim Barsoum. Peter was born on August 28, 1925 in Dierzor, Syria, son of Very Reverend Peter, former Pastor of Saint Mary's Assyrian Orthodox Church in Worcester and Katherine (Hanna) Barsoum. He came to America in 1927, where his family settled for a short time in Central Falls, Rhode Island, later moving to Worcester in 1933; in 1958 Peter and his wife, Rose moved to Shrewsbury to raise their family. Peter was a 1943 graduate of Worcester High School of Commerce, where he was a four letter athlete and was offered a contract to play minor league baseball; upon graduation he served his nation proudly in the United States Navy, during World War II. At the conclusion of the war and his service he enrolled at Clark University, where he graduated in 1950. Mr. Barsoum worked as an accountant for F & G Construction Company, retiring in 1991, after forty-one years of dedicated service. He was a devoted member of Saint Mary's Syrian Orthodox Church in Shrewsbury, and was a Deacon with the church. He enjoyed golf and was a member of Marlborough Country Club. Peter loved the company of friends and family, and was most proud of his children and grandchildren. He was generous in spirit and deed. He was a fierce competitor, especially at golf. Calling hours for Mr. Barsoum will be held Wednesday, October 21, from 4 p.m. until 8p.m. IN SAINT MARY'S SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH, 1 Industrial Drive (off route 9,near Border's Books), Shrewsbury. His funeral service will be held in the church on Thursday, October 22, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in Hope Cemetery, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name may be made to Saint Mary Syrian Orthodox Church, 1 Industrial Drive, Shrewsbury, MA 01545. Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, Worcester is honored to assist his family. To leave a message on his personal web page please visit mercadantefuneral.com.