May 1, 2011 Service: May 5, 2011 Archpriest John (Juan) Estefan, Nov 15, 1918 - May 1, 2011, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his daughter's home with his family at his side. He retired as Dean of the Antiochian Orthodox Clergy for the State of Michigan, Windsor, London, and Toronto, Canada (1975 - 2007). Now he rests in the everlasting arms of his faithful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Father Estefan was awarded a doctorate in the History of the Middle East by the University of Mexico, Mexico City. He was ordained a priest in January 1962 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and at the same time became the priest of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 1967 the Academy of Arts and Science of the International Institute of Anthropology awarded him an honorary doctorate for his "Study of Man". He was promoted in 1975 to the rank of Archpriest in the Archdiocese of the United States and was named Dean for the Antiochian Orthodox Church under the spiritual leadership of his Eminence, Metropolitan Archbishop Philip Saliba. Father John authored and co-authored several books and articles on politics of the Middle East, as well as several poems. He was fluent in Arabic, English, French, Greek and Spanish. Father John "Aboona" is survived by his wife of 68 years, Soad Estefan and sons Salam J (Sue), and Elias. Daughters Salwa Crosby (Jim), Sanaa Wells (Rick) and Soad Clark (Steve); 14 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and sisters Assene Habib (NH) and Ghabe Towne (CA), in addition to many loving nieces and nephews. The family will receive visitors at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 334 Lagrave Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Wednesday, May 4th from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. The church will be open all day for viewing. Services will be held at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church on Thursday, May 5th at 11am. Interment to follow at Kent Memorial Gardens, 7295 Clyde Park SW, Byron Township. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in memory of Father John Estefan. A special thank you to Spectrum Hospice, Dr. Saleh Dyke, Father George Shalhoub (Detroit), and Father John Winfrey (Grand Rapids). More information can be found at www.stgeorgegr.com.