Joseph C. “Pee Wee” Assad, 90 of Methuen passed away on Wednesday January 18, 2017 at his home.  Mr. Assad was born and raised in Lawrence and was a 1943 graduate of Lawrence High School.  He has lived in Methuen since 1965. In his youth, Joe was an extraordinary baseball player and pitcher at the semi pro level and once pitched against The Washington Senators professional team.   He served with The US Army Air Force and The Army Infantry in WW II.  He served in Germany and was the recipient of the Bronze Star and was promoted to the rank of Sargent and was one of the American heroes in WW II who liberated the German concentration camp at Dachau.  Joe was also one of four of his brothers who served during WW II.  His brother, George was killed in Tunisia during the war on March 21, 1943.  He was a member of St. Anthony Church, Lawrence and for over forty years, he worked as a popular waiter at Bishop’s Restaurant, Lawrence and earned the title of #1 waiter of the year in the State of Massachusetts.    During his years at Bishop’s, Joe and others were honored and credited  by Blue Cross/Blue Shield for saving the lives of three people by performing the Heimlich method to avoid choking.  Joe was loved by his many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends and was simply known by all as “Uncle Joe”.

The son of the late, Kalil and Frieda (Jurdi) Assad, he was predeceased by his beloved wife, Barbara Jean (Towler) Assad and his family members include his step-son, Douglas MacArthur  and his grandson, Shane Enos . He was also predeceased by his step-son, Barry MacArthur and his sisters, Eva Saba, Elaine Medina , Adele Spinello and Mary Assad as well as his brothers, Mellette and Raymond.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Friday January 27, 2017 from 3 to 6 PM at The Charles F. Dewhirst Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen.  A memorial service will be at 6:00 PM on Friday at the funeral home.   Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery, Methuen.  To leave an online condolence, please go to www.dewhirstfuneral.com.

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