Fred A. Kassis

Fred A. Kassis, 85, of Charleston, SC, husband of Joanne Jones Kassis entered into eternal rest January 23, 2013. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 28, 2013 in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1695 Raoul Wallenberg Blvd. at 10:30 am . Prayers and Final Commendation and Farewell will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday, January 27, 2013in J. HENRY STUHR, INC., WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL, 3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway, from 6:00 until 8:00 pm where a Rosary Service will be recited at 7:45pm.Fred was born September 4, 1927 in Zahle, Lebanon, son of Aziz Kassis and Zakia Shahid Kassis. He was Co Founder of Kassis Brother Shoes along with his brother John. Fred was a former member of The Board of Visitors at Charleston Southern University and a member St. Joseph's Catholic Church. A devoted family man, Fred believed in working hard, taking care of his family, and enjoying time with his numerous friends.Fred was a shoemaker by trade and he and his brother operated a successful shoe business in Australia after leaving Lebanon. Fred had many family members already living in Charleston and he dreamed of the opportunity to come to the United States and start a business. He was preparing to return to Australia after a brief stay on a visitor's visa, when he met Senator Olin D. Johnston through a cousin. Senator Johnston became interested in Fred's desire to stay in the United States. Senator Johnston and Representative Mendel Rivers introduced a bill in Congress that was signed by President Eisenhower, enabling Fred to stay in the United States. The bill made Fred a permanent resident of the United States on August 6, 1958.The Kassis brothers operated their shoe store at 237 King Street for many years with a mission of helping people walk in comfort and building special orthopedic shoes for those in need. Numerous people in the area and beyond have received support and service from Kassis Brothers.He is survived by his wife of 53 years; two daughters: Sonja K. Stetzler (David) of Charlotte, NC, Jane K.Vettel (Steve) of Charleston, SC; son, Daniel F. Kassis (Amy) of Charleston, SC; granddaughter, Anna Kassis; five grandsons, Daniel Kassis, Matthew Stetzler, Michael Stetzler, Eric Vettel, Luke Vettel; brother, Dr. Raymond Kassis (Becky) of Charleston, SC; two sisters, Yvonne Shahid, and Renee Kadlecik (Paul) both of Charleston, SC. Fred was preceded in death by his sister, Rose Haddad (Jim) and his brother, Najib John Kassis (Nouha).Memorials may be made to St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 1695 Raoul Wallenberg Blvd., Charleston, SC 29407 and/or Bishop England High School, 363 Seven Farms Drive, Daniel Island, SC 29492.