Obituary of Ghassan Sakakini

Ghassan "Gus" Sakakini, age 66, of Trumbull, beloved husband of Tiina Larmala-Sakakini, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, surrounded by many of his loving family and friends. Born in Jerusalem on March 27, 1956, he was a son of the late Hanna and Alice (Zabaneh) Sakakini and was a longtime resident of Trumbull.

Gus immigrated to the United States in 1976 and began studying at the University of Bridgeport, where he earned both his Bachelor of Science and his Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Prior to his retirement, Gus was the President and Owner of GTS Construction for over 25 years. He loved designing and creating spaces for a living and was proud that he "never had to work a day in his life." Beyond work, Gus had three true passions: Family, Food, and Faith. On any given day, he could be found creating new recipes in his kitchen with his wife and children, hosting large gatherings for his family and friends (especially Thanksgiving), and serving on the Parish Council for St. Nicholas Church. He was regarded by many in the community as a true gentleman. He was a devoted husband and a loving father and brother and will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

In addition to his beloved wife Tiina, survivors include two loving children, Jonathan Sakakini and his wife Betsy of New York City and a daughter, Siina Sakakini and her fiancé Seamus Thomson of Mountain View, CA and five siblings, Ibrahim Sakakini and his wife Nimat, Bahij Sakakini and his wife Batoul, Zahida Salem, Khalil Sakakini and his wife Samar and Imad Sakakini and his wife Layla, as well as a mother-in-law Eeva Larmala and brother-in-law Antti Larmala and his partner Taru Kovanen of Helsinki and numerous loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was predeceased by a cherished son, Sebastian Sakakini.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 12:00 Noon at St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church 5458 Park Avenue Bridgeport. Burial will follow at Nichols Farm Burial Ground, Trumbull. Friends may greet the family at the church on Saturday morning from 11:00 AM until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church at 5458 Park Avenue Bridgeport. Arrangements in care of Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull.