Bernard “Bud” Chidiac , 81, a resident of Ho-Ho-Kus, passed away on Monday, August 28, 2017 after a long illness. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sheila, and his cherished children: John (Felicia), James, and Amy Roderick (Ryan), and his two grandsons Jackson and Ozzie Chidiac.
He was born January 20, 1936 in Paterson, NJ to Amina and Naim Chidiac (now deceased), both childhood Syrian immigrants. He is also survived by his sister Janet and brothers John (Elsbeth) and Norman (Maria). He is predeceased by his sisters Eleanor, Mary Iozzio, Pearl Loffredo and brother Anthony, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Bud held degrees from Fairleigh Dickinson University and Seton Hall University. Soon after beginning his career as a research chemist, he realized he was happiest when facing a challenge or helping others. With that motivation, he joined the Association for International Development teaching chemistry in Spanish to agricultural students in Montero, Bolivia from 1962-1967. When he returned to the States he employed that energy in his life-long dedication to imbuing high school students with enthusiasm for science. But most of all, he held a life-long commitment to helping the poor or disadvantaged, devoting most of his time to rehabbing inner city houses. Even with that he found time to coach soccer, teach CCD, serve in a soup kitchen, or drive seniors to Mass. A humble man, he was kind and generous to all.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel RC Church, 1 Passaic St., Ridgewood. Visiting Friday from 4:00 - 8:00 PM at the Feeney Funeral Home, 232 Franklin Ave., Ridgewood. Interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Totowa. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Joseph’s Home for the Elderly, Little Sisters of the Poor, 140 Shepherd Lane, Totowa, NJ 07512-2170.
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