Obituary of Emil W. Habeeb

Emil W. Habeeb, age 95 Insurance President, Active Master Mason 

Emil entered into eternal rest on January 14, 2024. Born in Union City, NJ in 1928, he was the son of Wadi and Cordelia Habeeb. He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Shamsay Boghdan Habeeb in 2006, and granddaughter Kristen Leary in 2019. He resided in West New York, NJ until he married in 1956, lived in North Bergen for a short time before moving to North Plainfield, where he lived for over 67 years.

Emil was a graduate of Memorial High School in West New York, NJ and attended PACE College in New York City. After years of study, he was granted the title of Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) by the American College.

He worked in the Schiffli embroidery business at WH Habeeb & Sons in West New York, NJ for several years before entering the military. He was stationed in Fort Hood, Texas as part of the First Army Division during the Korean War. After leaving the service, he continued working in the embroidery business. Later on, he worked in the Insurance business as an agent and broker, working for several large companies, including Prudential and National Union Insurance Company, before opening his own Agency in 1981. He was the proprietor of Habeeb Insurance Inc. and Belmedds Insurance, located in North Plainfield, NJ. 

In 1954 he became a Master Mason at Whitehead Lodge #184 in Cliffside Park. He was also a member of the Palisade Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, The Scottish Rite and The Crescent Temple of Shriners. Over the years, he served as Worshipful Master of Jerusalem Lodge #26 F&AM. He was the oldest living High Priest of Arc of the Covenant and past Grand Master of 3 Vail in the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons RAM of NJ. He also served as Thrice Illustrious Master of the Council of Royal & Select Masters of NJ and as Grand Conductor of the Council (GCoC ) in the Grand Council of Royal & Select Masters of NJ. He also served as Commander of the Knights Templar, St. Johns Commandery. Having been Master of the four Masonic bodies, he received the distinguished, Knight York Cross of Honor (KYCH.)

Emil enjoyed cruising with his wife, traveling, watching soccer and old westerns on TV, reading, playing solitaire and studying Egyptian hieroglyphics. He also enjoyed dabbling in the stock market. He had a wonderful sense of humor and he really enjoyed his “junk food.” Emil’s strength, perseverance and determination were admired by many.

He leaves behind 6 children, Barbara Habeeb, Linda Mian, Michael Habeeb, Elaine Viola, and her husband John, David Habeeb and his wife Lisa, and Diane Leary-Smagalla, 13 grandchildren and one great-grandson.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 21, 2024 from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ 07069.  A funeral service will be held on Monday, January 22, 2024, at 10:00 am at the funeral home, followed by an Interment at Hillside Cemetery in Scotch Plains.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Emil’s name to Shriners Hospital for Children or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.