Georges Hneich's Obituary
Georges Hneich passed away on Sunday, January 21, 2018 at Georgetown University Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Georges was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He radiated strength, serenity and courage, while never losing his smile or love for life. He showed enduring perseverance and fortitude throughout the years and more importantly through his long and arduous 7-year battle with prostate cancer.
Georges was born in Aleppo, Syria on January 4, 1954 and was the son of the late Antoine and Antoinette Hneich. At age 8, he felt a calling for the Catholic priesthood, and entered the seminary of St. Paul in Harissa, Lebanon. He obtained a Bachelor’s in Theology and a Master’s in Psychology from St. Paul Institute in Harissa. During his early years, Georges enjoyed soccer, conducting choir for the seminary, and participating in the performing arts. After graduating, Georges left the path of the priesthood in 1977 in favor of seeking a new life in Caracas, Venezuela. He taught himself Spanish, adding another language to his already-impressive list of Arabic, French, English, and Latin. It was in Venezuela that Georges met his future wife and love of his life and created the foundation for a loving family.
Georges was determined and perseverant, founding and operating successful businesses in Caracas, and eventually relocating to Northern Virginia in the United States to expand his telecom corporation, Pensat International Communications, Inc. He also founded and successfully operated Atlas Trading, Inc., an international trading corporation. His innovation and work ethic helped connect people and businesses around the world to one another, and his work played a leading role in the expansion and globalization of the communications industry.
Though many pages can be written about his business achievements, Georges’ true pride and joy was his family who will forever miss him. He is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Nesly Ivonne Hneich, daughter Vivi Cassella, son Georges Hneich, son-in-law Frank Cassella, and son’s fiancée Mary Catherine Park. He is also survived by his grandchildren Makayla and Vinny Cassella, his mother-in-law Maria Irlena Torres, his father-in-law Gustavo Torres, his sister-in-law Francia Torres, his brother Joseph Hneich, and sisters Suad and Josephine Hneich and their spouses. He is predeceased by his eldest brother Jean Hneich. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, both near and far, who all shared their love and support over the years. He will always be missed by his faithful and furry companion Lucky.
To Georges, his family always came first. Though CEO and president of many companies, the title that made him the happiest was grandpa, “Dodo.” His grandchildren brought out his biggest smiles whether it was watching them play, painting pumpkins, teaching them Spanish, eating cookies or cuddling on the couch. They were a major source of his daily joy and motivation and they will forever miss him.
A special thank you to the staff, nurses and doctors at Georgetown University Hospital who took amazing care of Georges for months. To the nurses in the C61 unit, we cannot thank you enough, not only for your medical care and professionalism, but also for your empathy and warmth.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Georgetown University Hospital.
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
Office of Philanthropy
1 Main, Hospital Administration
3800 Reservoir Rd., NW
Washington, D.C. 20007
If you wish to make a gift online, please go to MedStarGeorgetown.org/Giving
A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 25, 2018 from 6-8pm at Loudoun Funeral Chapel 158 Catoctin Circle, SE Leesburg, VA. Mass of Christian burial will be offered on Friday, January 26, 2018 at 1:00pm at St. Theresa Catholic Church 21371 St. Theresa Lane, Ashburn, VA with interment to follow at Union Cemetery in Leesburg, VA. Please share online condolences with the family at www.loudounfuneralchapel.com
What’s your fondest memory of Georges?
What’s a lesson you learned from Georges?
Share a story where Georges' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Georges you’ll never forget.
How did Georges make you smile?
