Elias G. Nassif

Elias G. Nassif, 82, of Cedar Rapids, passed away on March 7, 2026, at Mercy Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on November 22, 1943, in Ain Arab, Lebanon, to George and Nasseemeh Nassif, Elias immigrated to the United States at the age of 15 with his younger brother Edward. The two arrived in Marion, Iowa, on December 24, 1958, and were warmly welcomed by relatives. In time, Elias and Edward helped bring the rest of their family to the United States.

Elias graduated from Regis High School and Muscatine Community College. On February 25, 1968, he married Souham “Susie” Haddy, who was also from Ain Arab. Shortly after their marriage, he served honorably for four years in the United States Army in West Germany. Together, Elias and Susie owned and operated several successful restaurants in the Cedar Rapids area while raising their three daughters, Laura, Melinda, and Cynthia. Elias was an accomplished bowler who achieved multiple 300 games. He enjoyed time at the casino, had a gift for making people laugh, and was at his happiest when surrounded by family. Whether cooking behind the grill or sharing a joke, he had a way of making everyone feel welcome. His life reflected hard work, humor, and the belief that good things come from honest effort and an open heart.

He is survived by his daughters, Laura (Greg) McCoy, Melinda Nassif, and Cynthia (Jeremy) McCann; grandchildren, Zackery Scott, Payton McCoy, and Jaelynn, Aden, and Luke McCann; brothers, Shaker (Rose) Nassif of Cedar Rapids and Dr. Edward (Ranya) Nassif of Ames; sisters, Rose Ziadeh and Gladys (Izhaua) Elorm, both of Cedar Rapids; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Souham “Susie” Nassif; his parents, George and Nasseemeh Nassif; his sister, Salimeh Chahine; his brother, Nicola Nassif; and his nephew, George Nassif.