John Akl Salem, 69, of Peoria, passed away at 6:18 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2015, at his home, surrounded by his loved ones.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11a.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at Saint Sharbel Catholic Church with Abbot Khalil Alwan, Chorbishop Faouzi Elia and Fr. Bechara Awada officiating. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery, in Peoria. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11, 2015, at the church, with Recitation of the Rosary at 7 p.m. An additional visitation will be one hour prior to the mass at the church.
John was born on February 5, 1946 in Btourram, Lebanon, a son of Saleem and May Salem. They preceded him in death, along with two brothers, Elias and Wahib Salem.
He married Wadad Alwan on January 13, 1974. She survives. John is also survived by sons, Elias (Julianne) Salem of Aurora, CO and Wahib (Tania) Salem of Peoria; daughter, Lisa (Josh) Barra of Peoria; brother, George (Georgette) Salem of Lebanon; ten grandchildren and a large, loving family.
John retired from District 150 after being employed as a custodian for twenty years. He then began working at Cottingham Properties. He was a member of Saint Sharbel Catholic Church, Saint Sharbel Men’s Club and the ITOO Society.
He enjoyed fishing and hunting, but most of all loved spending time with family and friends. He was always willing to give a helping hand and left a positive impact on all who knew him.
Memorial contributions may be made in John’s memory to Saint Jude Midwest Affiliate.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Clary Funeral Home, 3004 West Lake Avenue, in Peoria.
