Obituary of Alfred A. Mashnouk
Alfred A. Mashnouk passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. He shared 87 years of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories with family and friends.
Born and raised in Brooklyn to the late Alfred and Mary Mashnouk, he was one of two children to bless their household. After graduating high school, he proudly served our country in the United States Navy. Upon returning home, Al attended New York University. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Commerce Accounts and Finance. He had a very successful 45-year career as a Financial Planner, retiring in 2005 from Lincoln Financial Advisors. Al married the love of his life, Marie L. Parente, on October 12th in 1958. Together they settled in Denville to raise a family of their own.
Al truly broke the mold when he was born. He always worked hard to support his wife, children and grandchildren. Along with taking care of his family, he also donated his time, money, and energy to those less fortunate. Al and Marie funded the digging and installation of two water wells which allowed local communities in Uganda, Africa, to have fresh, clean water. They didn’t stop there. They also funded churches and schools in Uganda, and donated soccer uniforms and sewing machines to the children of these communities. Close to home, they were very generous to the Catholic churches they attended in both Florida and New Jersey. They refurbished a prayer station and statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at St. Mary’s in Denville and donated a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe to St. Cecilia’s Church in Clearwater Beach, FL.
Al was a devout Catholic, having been a faithful member of St. Mary’s Church in Denville where he served as an usher for 40 years and was a devoted member of the St. Mary’s Nocturnal Adoration Society. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. When visiting Rome, Al was chosen to bring up the gifts at mass in the Vatican.
Al and Marie travelled extensively, visiting many countries and all continents. They often chose to visit pilgrimage sites including Lourdes, Garabandal, Međugorje, the Shroud of Turin, and Fatima. In fact, Al is a descendent of the blessed Massabki brothers who were martyred in a church in Damascus and were canonized in 1926.
When Al wasn’t busy making the world a better place, you could find him on the golf course. He was an avid golfer and member of The Knoll Country Club in Parsippany. He also enjoyed playing penny poker and following his favorite team, the St. Louis Cardinals. Al was truly the family’s rock and patriarch. He will be forever missed and treasured in our hearts, especially by his wife of 67 years.
His legacy of compassion, generosity, and humanitarianism will live on in the hearts of his beloved wife, Marie; his adored daughters, Gracemarie (Marco) Bricalli, Rosemarie (Robert James III) Knorr, Theresa Julian, and Rachel (Andrew) Bernard; his cherished grandchildren, Stephanie and Christina; Robert James (Laura) Knorr IV, Maria (Jeff Wittekiend) Knorr; Maria Elizabeth, Nicholas Alexander, Dana Rose, and Daniel James Julian; Julia and Christopher Geueke; and a treasured great-grandchild; his caring sister, Elaine (the late James) McDermott; and many dear nieces, nephews, and extended family, colleagues and friends.
Public Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 5th from 4 – 8 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 6th at 11 am at St. Mary’s Church, 15 Myers Avenue, Denville. Burial will follow at Denville Cemetery in Denville. Memorial Donations are being accepted in Al’s memory to Eva’s Kitchen by way of www.inmemof.org to ensure receipt of your donation. Please light a candle, leave a condolence, and share your favorite memory of Al here to continue to celebrate the incredible life he bestowed upon us.
