John Elias Hajjar

Dr. John Elias Hajjar, of Stoughton MA passed away on June 1st, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. He was 72 years old.

John was born on January 2nd, 1952, in Zahle Lebanon, to Elias and Nakhle Hajjar. John Immigrated to the USA, In the middle of Lebanon’s civil war, in 1976, to further his education and to start a new life. John studied briefly at Berkshire Community College in Pittsfield, MA and then transferred to the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where he received, his, Bachelors, Masters and PHD degrees in Electrical and computer Systems Engineering.

John returned to Lebanon in 1991, where he met and married the love of his life, his wife Rita Chamoun and together, they raised their two lovely children, Lena and Elie.

John went on to become a professor of Computer Systems Engineering at Western New England University, in Springfield MA and later as a Professor at Northeastern University in Boston. In addition to teaching, John was involved in advanced computer systems research and in Energy management. He left several important books and publications behind.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Elias and Nakhle Hajjar, and his sisters Elham Nehme and Lena Hajjar, of Lebanon. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Rita (Chamoun); his two children, Lena of Somerville, and Elie of Roslindale,  his sisters Siham and her husband, Joseph El-Bitar of Montreal Canada, Marie and her late husband Joseph Houjeily of Lebanon, Janet Haddad of Framingham, and Marcelle and her husband Mark Nachef of Canton. John is survived by countless nieces and nephews that he loved as his own; and many cousins that he treated like siblings and best friends.

There are no words to describe how much John loved his family. He constantly looked after their wellbeing, and never let a day go by without letting them know much he loved them. He loved bringing joy to his loved ones, especially the children, with magic tricks, telling stories, and hosting large dinners, barbecues, and picnics. He often lost sleep at night when he knew someone was sick or injured, and he would do everything he can to help. John was extremely caring and supportive of his mother, who lived with him and his family for over 20 years, until the last days of her life. During his final weeks, John was  not worried about himself. He knew that he will be in the hands of God. John, instead, was more worried about his family and prayed that they will be safe and have a good life.

John will be dearly missed by all his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in his honor to Sepsis Alliance (www.sepsis.org)  Please see DONATIONS link below .

Visiting hours Thursday June 6, 2024 from 9:00 to 10:15 a.m. at the Kfoury Keefe Funeral Home.  Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Cedars of Lebanon Church 61 Rockwood St. Jamaica Plain Thursday at 11:00 a.m.  Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Following the Funeral Mass, John will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery 1105 Central St. Stoughton.

Sepsis Alliance
1855 First Ave. Suite 102, San Diego CA 92101
Tel: 1-619-232-0300
Web: http://www.sepsis.org