Obituary

David Shedeed Sadd, 94, of Charleston, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2024. His wife of 67 years, Peggy, and loving family were by his side.

David was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1929, in Charleston, to Lebanese immigrants, Marie and John Sadd. He was deeply proud of his heritage and the sacrifices his parents made to come to this country in search of a better life.

The eldest of six children, David grew up on the West Side and attended St. Anthony Grade School and Charleston Catholic High School. He graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School where he was a member of the 1947 State High School Championship football team. He went on to attend Morris Harvey College and served in Germany during the Korean Conflict.

Upon the untimely death of his father, David took on the role of patriarch, helping his mother, a young widow, to raise his much younger siblings.

He married Peggy Ann Haddad on September 29, 1956, and together they raised their six children at St. Anthony Church, later becoming long-time members of the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. David was a fervent supporter of Catholic education.

For forty years, he owned and operated Towne and Country Lanes in Nitro, West Virginia, retiring in 2003. David changed the lives of many of his young employees, particularly those who were college students, by offering tuition reimbursement. Over the years, David’s family members encountered numerous former employees, now professionals, who expressed their gratitude for the lasting impact this program had on their lives.

David was quiet in his generosity, not wishing to be acknowledged for his contributions while receiving great satisfaction knowing that others benefited from these acts of kindness. He gave freely and never asked for anything in return.

David was a fan since childhood of the New York Yankees, and later converted his bride during their honeymoon trip to the 1956 World Series in New York City. He “regretted” that they opted for dinner with friends on the same night that Don Larsen pitched the only perfect game in World Series history. Despite this rocky start, a successful union followed.

For over fifty years, David and Peggy were fixtures at Charleston Catholic athletic events, supporting their children, grandchildren, and their friends.

David was a loving Jiddi to his grandchildren, never tiring of hearing about their studies, employment, athletic achievements, and friends.

In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his brothers, Eugene and Mitch. He is survived by his wife, Peggy; his devoted children, Lisa Dobbins (Bill), David (Kelly), Jay (Laura), Sarah Alvarez (Jose), Daniel (Gaia Nyoike), and Mary Blaydes (Jeff); sisters, Rosalie Goodsell (Paul Burke), Betty Anne Brennen (John), and Theresa Kotting (David); grandchildren, Ryan (Emily), David, Will, Jay, Danielle (Charles), Nicholas, Isabel, John, Madeleine, Sawyer, Thomas, and Luke; and many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews too numerous to count.

The family is grateful for the care and assistance of Marva Crouch, Marvella Johnson and Judy Strahler, and the physicians, nurses, and staff at Thomas Hospital and Hubbard Hospice House.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, with the Very Rev. Fr. Donald X. Higgs and the Rev. Fr. Rayappa “Roy” Kurakula concelebrating. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 19, at Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, 1118 Virginia Street East, Charleston, West Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in David’s memory to Hubbard Hospice House, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Charleston Catholic High School Needy Student Fund, or a favorite charity.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.