Obituary of Ferris George Akel, II

A "GIANT" has passed. Ferris Akel left this world peacefully on Friday, May 19, 2017 with his family at his side. He was predeceased by his paternal grandmother Delia, his parents George and Georgette, his Uncle Metrie "Mike" and Aunt Renee, and his "twin" cousin Lillian. He is survived by Louise, his wife and best friend of 55 years, their five children Stephanie (Jeff), Nicole (Paul), Ferris III, Martine (John), Philip (Bridget) and their six grandchildren Giuliana, Cameron, Finbarr, Fritz, Isabelle, and Madeline. Ferris is also survived by his brothers, George (Sally) and Ronald (Beth), his partners both in business and in life. Ferris leaves behind his cousins Yvette, Madeline, and Renee, as well as his nieces and nephews Andrea (Ibrahim), George III (Laura), Jeffrey (Erin), Donald, Kara (John), and several great nieces and nephews. Having lost his own father at the young age of 21, Ferris set aside his personal ambitions, focusing instead on the care of his family and management of their business, Binghamton Giant Markets, Inc. Determined to complete his education, Ferris tended to the business by day, and studied at Harpur College by night, earning his degree in 1959. Ferris' dedication to the community was unwavering. He was Chairman of the Dr. G. Clifford and Florence B. Decker Foundation. He served on the Binghamton University School of Management Advisory Board, and was named to the Binghamton University Harpur Forum School of Honor. Ferris also served on the boards of directors of United Health Services, Inc., UHS Professional Home Care, Inc., UHS Twin Tier Home Health, BSB Bank & Trust Company, The Binghamton Symphony, The Roberson Museum and Science Center and others, all while providing support to numerous organizations throughout the community. The family wishes to acknowledge and sincerely thank each and every physician, nurse, and member of the Binghamton General Hospital staff involved in Ferris' care, for their professionalism, compassion, and kindness. The family would also like to express its most sincere gratitude to the physician friends of the family who made numerous trips to the hospital, providing guidance, solace, and companionship. Although there will be no calling hours, a funeral service in celebration of Ferris' life will be held at Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church, 44 Main Street, Binghamton, on Wednesday, May 24th at 10:30 in the morning, with the Rev. Glenn Mahaffey officiating. A private burial service will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the UHS Foundation, Binghamton University Foundation, or Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church.