Naja Joseph Sfeir

Naja Joseph Sfeir Active in church, owned many businesses in Buffalo July 1, 1922 - December 19, 2020 Naja J. Sfeir, a retired restaurateur, known by his many friends as Joe, peacefully entered into rest at home surrounded by family December 19, 2020. He was 98 years old. Mr. Sfeir, son of Lebanese immigrant parents, attended elementary school at St. John Maron Maronite Catholic School formerly located in the city of Buffalo at Cedar and South Division streets. He later graduated from Grover Cleveland High School and Canisius College, where Mr. Sfeir earned a BS degree in 1945 before serving in the army during WW2. Due to the war, he wasn't able to receive his college diploma. It was discovered many years later that the college still had his diploma. On May 19, 1993, Mr. Sfeir proudly received his college diploma. After the war he worked in many capacities of his father's many restaurants located throughout the city of Buffalo. As a young man he owned several parking lots and operated Whitney Liquor Store at Whitney and Carolina streets where he meet his soulmate, Rose C. Buffamonti. Mr. Sfeir also opened Jax Auto Wash, the first hand car wash in the city of Buffalo in 1957, with his father Nicholas (Nick) at Sycamore and Elm Streets. With the help of his wife Connie, they operated several restaurants, The Terminal Bar and Coffee Shop and two restaurants named Den-Gary's Tap Room after their two Sons, Dennis and Gary. He was also involved in various real estate investments in the city. For a time, during his retirement, Mr. Sfeir was a substitute teacher for the Buffalo Public School System. At the time of his death, Mr. Sfeir was the oldest active member of the St. John Maron Church Holy Name Society, and in 1991 received the Man of The Year award. Mr. Sfeir was also an active member of Post 1659 of the American Legion, where he held the position of Sargent of Arms for many years. His wife of 60 years, Connie died in 2011. He is survived by his four children: Dennis, Gary, Lydia, and Cynthia, ten grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his daughter Josette Johnson who passed away in December 26, 2017. Joe will always be remembered for his memory, his hair and how young he looked for his age.