Reverend Deacon Sabri Asmar Akman, 80, of Shrewsbury, formerly of Paxton, passed away on Saturday, June 4, 2022, surrounded by a loving family, in the comfort of his home.

Reverend Deacon Akman is survived by his loving wife of fifty years, Meryem (Deniz) Akman, two daughters, Elizabeth Rauktis and her husband Nicholas of Rutland, and Helen K. Dowler and her husband James of Palm Harbor, FL; a son, Asmar N. Akman, and his wife Barbara of Worcester; five beloved grandchildren, Madeline Yamtho, Mia Janet, Joseph Gabriel, Adessa Nahrin, and Sabri James. He is also survived by eight siblings, Hana Gurbuz, Meryem Bastug, Very Reverend Fr. Kerim G. Asmar, Mecide Gunduz, Hanna “John” Akman, Nuri Asmar, Hanibal Asmar, and Nirgel Mia Hanna; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by a brother, Very Reverend Father Shamoun Asmar. Reverend Deacon Akman was born in Midyat, son of Gabriel and Miya (Aydin) Akman.

Reverend Deacon Akman came to the United States in 1969 for a brief time and returned in 1973, settling in New York City. He then followed his spiritual path and came to Worcester, before settling in Paxton and most recently moving to Shrewsbury. He had successful career beginning in the old country working as a dentist and led highly successful life as a teacher of the Aramaic language. Since settling in Worcester he worked as a master jeweler and operated “New York Jewelers” over forty years.

Reverend Deacon Akman’s strong faith guided him throughout his life. He was a member of Saint Mary Syriac Orthodox Church in Shrewsbury; he was president of the board of trustees for many decades. Due to his continued devotion, he became a pillar of faith and a fatherly figure to all the church members.

Reverend Deacon Akman’s family would like to thank his doctors led by, his brother-in-law, Dr. Yamo Barslibo-Deniz, Dr. John Chisholm, Dr. John Najjar, and Dr. Tony Samaha. Their medical knowledge, and more so, their caring nature is greatly appreciated.

Calling Hours and Funeral Services will be at Saint Mary’s Syriac Orthodox Church, 1 Industrial Drive (off Route 9 east), Shrewsbury, MA.

Calling Hours, IN THE CHURCH, will be Tuesday, June 7, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. His Funeral Service will be on Wednesday, June 8, at 11 a.m. in the church. Interment will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.

Reverend Deacon Akman did not wish for flowers to be sent, but instead preferred donations in his memory be made to his beloved Saint Mary’s Syriac Orthodox Church, 1 Industrial Drive, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.