Fr. Joseph M. Shaheen

Fr. Joseph Masid Shaheen, 91 of Naples, FL departed this life on Friday, August 4, 2023 at AVOW Hospice. Formerly of Montreal, Canada he had been a resident of Naples since 2000. Fr. Joe was born May 12, 1932 a son of the late Masid and Margaret (Esber) Shaheen in Canton, Ohio. He attended Gibbs Avenue Elementary and graduated from Canton McKinley High School - Class of 1950. Fr. Joe then attended Kent State University (1950 -1951) and he graduated from American University in Washington DC in 1955 with a B.A. in Political Science/Public Administration. Fr. Joe entered Saint Vladimir's Theological Seminary in February of 1958 an graduated with his Masters of Theology Degree in June of 1960. On June 21, 1959, he married Diane R. Davis of Pittsburgh, PA. Fr. Joe was ordained into the Diaconate on September 13, 1959 in Washington DC and one week later on September 20. Fr. Joe was elevated to Archpriest on October 30, 1977, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada; this is the highest rank for a married member of the clergy in the Orthodox Church. Fr. Joe has served as Ecclesiarch at the National Conventions of the Archdiocese from 1971 to 2010. He was the National Spiritual Advisor to NAC SOYO from 1988 to 1992. He has been the Clergy Advisor to the Regional Teen Organization, the Regional Fellowship Organization (for young Adults), and the regional advisor to the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch. He became the Pastor of St. George in Indianapolis, IN in 1960. He was Pastor during the building of the new Church, which was completed in 1962. In 1969, Fr. Joe became the Pastor of St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church of Montreal. He was Pastor at St. Nicholas during the major renovation that took place in 1996. During his tenure in Indianapolis and Montreal, he hosted Regional Conferences four times. Fr. Joe also hosted the National Convention in Montreal in 1974. In 2000, Fr. Joe and Diane made the journey to Southwest Florida. Retirement was just not in the playbook. Fr. Joe was assigned to St. Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church, in Naples. FL. Ground was broken for the beautiful new Church in October of 2004 and the Church was completed in 2006. St. Paul represents many decades of Fr's Church building knowledge and expertise from the sanctuary to the narthex. His influences in the design of the iconostasis, the beautiful iconography and magnificent windows all have his trademark of excellence upon them. He is Father Joe to all of us, but he is Dad and Gido his children and grandchildren. Survivors include his beloved wife of 64 years, Diane R. Shaheen; loving children, Rebecca Shaheen and her husband, Richard Cosentino of Montreal, Canada, Joseph Shaheen and his wife Maria of Los Angeles, CA; and Philip Shaheen of Los Angeles, CA; brother, Dr. Masid (Joan) Shaheen of Canton, OH; sister-in-law, Charlotte Shaheen of Canton, OH; and cherished grandchildren, Gabrielle, Laurence, Frederique and Lucas. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Frederick Shaheen. Viewing and Funeral of a Priest will be held on Thursday, August 10, 2023 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at St. Paul Orthodox Church, 2425 Rivers Road, Naples, FL 34120. Devine Liturgy will begin at the church on Friday at 9:00 AM with funeral services following at 10:30 AM. He will be laid to rest at Palm Royale Cemetery. Online condolences may be offered by visiting www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home, Family Owned Since 1978.

Fr. Joseph M. Shaheen

May 12, 1932 - August 4, 2023