George N. Kalil, 91
Shrewsbury - George N. "Bob" Kalil, 91, devoted husband, father and grandfather, passed away Saturday, March 8, 2008, surrounded by his family, in the University of Massachusetts Hospital.

Mr. Kalil

He is survived by his beloved wife and partner of 61 years, Doris (Brodeur) Kalil, and his five cherished children, David Kalil; Lisa Malesky and her husband John; Peter Kalil; Stephen Kalil and his wife, Laurie; and Susan Collins and her husband, James. He also leaves eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his siblings Michael, Joseph, John and Albert Kalil and Helen Aboody, Ella Dahrooge and Eva Saffire.

Born in Worcester, one of eight children born to Nicholas and Sophie (Najar) Kalil, he grew up in Worcester and graduated from North High School. He had lived in Shrewsbury more than 55 years.

Mr. Kalil worked for more than 31 years for John Hancock Insurance Company as district sales manager before retiring in 1978. He and his son then co-owned and operated Kalil's Bakery on Hamilton Street.

Mr. Kalil was a founding member of St. George Orthodox Cathedral. He faithfully served as a chanter and reader since childhood, and was also a member of the Mahiethett Society, St George Orthodox Cathedral men's club and Syrian Orthodox Brotherhood Society. Fluent in Arabic, he served as an interpreter for area hospitals and proudly worked for two years translating an Arabic mass booklet into English.

Funeral services were held March 11, with burial at Mountain View Cemetery in Shrewsbury. Memorial contributions may be made to the memorial fund at St. George Orthodox Cathedral or to a charity of one's choice. The Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel of Worcester directed arrangements.