Elias Essa

Jesus said, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Elias (Eli) Essa, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Eli, aged 88, a resident of Louisville, Kentucky, peacefully departed from this world on March 16, 2024, at 5:12pm, to rest and be in the eternal embrace of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Eli was preceded in death by his son David. He is survived by his devoted wife Hafaf of 62 years, his son, Daniel, his three daughters, May Hambrick (Tim) and their children Hannah Simmons (Tanner), Emily Eiss (Kevin) and Madelyn; Manny Fields (Rob) and their children Natasha Gorence (Keith) and Morgan Constant (Dallas); Dunia Joseph (Tom) and their daughter Mia; Eli's daughter-in-law Susan and her children Elijah (Sara), Rachel Kelley (Gabe), Olivia Long (Jared) and Isaac Essa. Eli was blessed to have 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
Eli and Hafaf immigrated from Lebanon to America in 1976 with 5 children. In 48 years, their family grew to 37 members. A hardworking entrepreneur, Eli was the proud owner of a painting company in Louisville and a restaurant in Lebanon known as Eli's Big Boy. He was a man of many talents and passions, but above all, he cherished his family, the joy of fishing, and the thrill of winning at backgammon and spades against his loved ones. Eli's warm spirit, kind heart, and infectious laughter touched the lives of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of crossing paths with him. As we mourn the physical loss of Eli Essa, we are comforted that he is alive and well and rejoicing in the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and in the reunion with his beloved son David and other family members who have preceded him.

Visitation will be from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Friday, March 22, 2024 at Newcomer, East Louisville Chapel (235 Juneau Drive). A service to celebrate his life will follow at 1:00 pm that day at the funeral home with burial following at Crosswater Gardens Cemetery in Louisville.

To view the service live on Friday, please click here.

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