June 13, 1912 – June 1, 1977
John (Nassib Aref) Gorab was born on June 13, 1912, in Clifton, New Jersey, to Aref and Shafeha Gorab, immigrants from Homs, Syria, who settled in New Jersey. He grew up alongside his siblings: Joseph, Hanna Nahass, and Elizabeth Azrak.
John met his future wife, Esma Hamwey of Somerville, Massachusetts, while she was visiting her aunt, who was married to Fr. Sakey, then serving at St. George Orthodox Church in Paterson, New Jersey (now St. George Orthodox Church in Little Falls). After several visits with Esma, John quickly realized she was the woman he wished to marry. They were wed on October 9, 1938, just three months after their first meeting.
In 1940, John and Esma moved to Santiago, Chile, where John worked with his uncle, who owned a textile mill. Having already gained experience in the textile mills of Paterson, John was eager to deepen his knowledge of the industry. Despite having only a sixth-grade education, he adapted quickly to life in Chile, learning to speak Spanish fluently. During their time there, their first daughter, Jacqueline, was born.
In 1944, the family returned to the United States so John could answer his call for military service during World War II. Ultimately, his service was not required, and the family settled once again in Clifton, New Jersey, where they remained for the next several years. During this time, they welcomed their second daughter, Marlene, in 1946 and remained active members of St. George Orthodox Church.
In 1950, John and his brother Joseph moved their families to Rhode Island, where they founded a textile manufacturing business on Sabin Street in Pawtucket. While building their new life in Pawtucket, their third daughter, Patricia, was born. The family also experienced the sorrow of losing a son, John, who died at birth.
Over the years, John and his brother successfully expanded their textile operations, eventually owning three additional mills throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Through hard work, integrity, and determination, John earned a reputation within the textile community as an industrious, trustworthy, and respected businessman. When textile manufacturing began shifting from New England to the South during the 1970s, John continued contributing to the industry through consulting work.
John was immensely proud of his family and took great joy in their accomplishments and growth. His legacy lives on through his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, each carrying forward his deep love of family and faith.
John embraced life with enthusiasm and warmth. He loved Arabic music, dancing, entertaining, and traveling. One of his greatest pleasures was hosting gatherings of family and friends, often extending celebrations long after a hafla had ended by inviting everyone back to his home. His vegetable garden was another source of pride and joy, and he delighted in harvesting and enjoying fresh vegetables straight from the vine.
Faith and family were the foundations of John’s life. He and Esma instilled these values deeply in their daughters, creating a lasting legacy of devotion, love, and togetherness. John was also an active member of the Masonic fraternity in both New Jersey and Rhode Island.
A devoted member of St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church, John faithfully served his parish on the Parish Council, contributing his time and leadership to the community he loved.
John will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, loyal friend, and faithful servant of his church — a man who embraced life fully and shared his blessings generously with others.
Another photo of John Gorab at a different time in his life HERE.