Wadih Tanios Kahale

Wadih Tanios Kahale, 94, of Worcester, passed away on Sunday, August 8, 2021, embraced by the love of his family.  His wife, Georgette (Yanni) Kahale, predeceased him in December 2008.

Wadih is survived by his devoted family, including his six surviving children, George Kahale of Auburn, Jacqueline Ventriglia of Worcester, Houda Daou of Worcester, Yvette Aboody and her husband George of Worcester, Elie Kahale and his wife Mariana of Auburn, and Samira Shalhoub and her husband Ronald of Madison, NJ; a daughter in law, Tammy Kahale of Sutton, wife of the late, Dori Kahale; twenty one grandchildren, Joelle, Nicola, Karla, Patricia, Sami, Jeffrey, Jimmy, Remy, Bachir, Nora, Edmond, Cheryl, Addison, Kyle, Hana, Austin, Peter, Kristina, Mike, Collette, and René; seven great grandchildren.  Wadih suffered the pain losing two sons, Dori Kahale in 2011 and Tanios “Tom” Kahale on July 26, of this year.  He was also predeceased by his daughter in law, Mona, wife of his son George.

Wadih was a police officer in Beirut, Lebanon for over twenty-one years, before retiring. In 1963 the Secretary of The Interior of Lebanon named Wadih the “Best Police Officer in Beirut”, he received many medals and honors throughout his career.  Following his retirement, Wadih came to the United States, where he became a citizen in 1980 and worked for Watt’s Security for another twenty years, retiring as a lieutenant.  As an officer in Lebanon and here in Worcester, he was extremely proud of his service to his community. 

Wadih was a member of Our Lady of Mercy Church.  He loved his family and was proud of their successes and accomplishments of his children.  He found great joy in being with grandchildren as they watched sports together, especially football and horse racing; and would often engage in some friendly bets with them and he, more often than not, was the winner.  He was the life of the party and was sure to play the music loud and proud to get everyone dancing at cook outs and family gatherings. 

Family and friends will gather for Calling Hours on Thursday, August 12, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.  His Funeral will be Friday, August 13, at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Mercy Church, 341 June Street, Worcester.  Interment will follow in Hope Cemetery, Worcester. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Our Lady of Mercy Church, 341 June Street, Worcester, MA 01602.