Ammiel Najar, age 97 of Grand Rapids, passed away Sunday, August 13, 2017. He was born October 16, 1919, in Detroit, Michigan. The fourth of five children born to Solomon and Zakiea (Shalhoub) Najar who immigrated to the United States, from Syria. The family relocated to Grand Rapids a few years later where he grew up and remained for the rest of his life. Emil, as friends and family knew him, attended St. Andrews School. He was a proud graduate of South High School, Class of 1937, where he lettered in tennis and golf. After high school Emil went to work for McInerney Spring and Wire Company. Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the Army Air Corp and was stationed in the Philippines for the duration of World War II. He returned to Grand Rapids after being honorably discharged in 1945. Emil joined Prudential Insurance Company in 1950 where he worked for over 50 years as a top sales representative. He received numerous national sales awards during his career. Emil was an active member of the Grand Rapids Community. He volunteered for several charitable causes and was an active member of the American Business Club. In 2016 a scholarship was established in his name to honor his 60 plus years with the AMBUC’s. Emil was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was a member of the honor guard. He was a founding parishioner of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church and was the first president of the home and school association of St. Paul’s School. He was an ardent, long-time supporter of the Grand Rapids Symphony and St. Cecilia Music Society. As much as he loved music, Emil cheerfully admitted his only talent was playing the radio. Emil loved the company of friends, family and his dog, Friday. He enjoyed poker, bowling, golf, ethnic food, and had a weakness for Marge’s Doughnuts. Emil was a passionate fan of Notre Dame football and rarely missed a game on TV while wearing the Blue and Gold. Emil was predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Betty and by his son Leo M. Najar. He is survived by his son Ammiel G. Najar, of Los Angeles, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Sunday, August 20, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. S.E., Grand Rapids from 3-5 pm. A rosary will be recited at 5:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2750 Burton St. S.E., Grand Rapids on Monday, August 21 at 11:00 am with entombment at Resurrection Mausoleum at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, a donation to St. Cecilia Music Society, the AMBUC’s of Grand Rapids, or to the Kent County Animal Shelter, would be greatly appreciated.