EPARCHY OF SAINT MARON OF BROOKLYN
THE CHANCERY
109 Remsen Street
Brooklyn, New York 11201-4212
Tel: (718)-237-9913 Fax: (718) 243-0444
chancerystmaron@verizon.net www.stmaron.org
April 12, 2024
Prot. No. 144/1/24
Cir.No. 24/39
Dear Brother Priests, Deacons and Subdeacons, Consecrated Men and Women and Lay Faithful,
It is my sad duty to announce the passing of Deacon Anthony P. Koury on Wednesday April 10, 2024, in Pennsylvania.
Deacon Koury was born April 1, 1947, in Easton, Pennsylvania to his parents Frank and Catherine Koury. He is survived by his wife Chafica, his two children, Anthony Jr. and Frances, and his two grandchildren. For over 40 years Deacon Koury was a teacher, coach and athletic director at Notre Dame High School. In September 1975, Deacon Koury was Ordained a Subdeacon by Archbishop Francis M. Zayek, who later ordained him a deacon in 1982. Deacon Koury has served many roles at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Church in Easton, Pennsylvania for the last 60 years. He will be greatly missed.
Deacon Koury was preceded in death by his parents. A viewing will be held Sunday afternoon from 3-7pm at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church, 55 S. Fourth St, Easton, PA. His funeral Mass is set for 1pm Monday at the Church. A more detailed Obituary from Deacon Koury’s family is [found below]. Our condolences go out to his family. Please keep Deacon Koury and his family in your prayers. May he rest in peace.
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
+ Gregory J. Mansour
Anthony (“Tony”) Peter Koury, returned to his maker on April 10, 2024, at the age of 77, following a prolonged and valiant battle with metastatic prostate cancer. Born on April 1, 1947, in Easton, Pennsylvania, to the late Frank and Catherine Koury, Anthony's life was a testament to service and faith.
Anthony attended St. Bernard’s Catholic School in Easton and was a proud graduate of Notre Dame High School. He was a member of the first graduating class of Allentown College of Saint Francis Desales (presently DeSales University). Following his graduation from college, he immediately returned in 1965 to his alma mater, Notre Dame High School, where he remained for 43 years. Throughout his years at Notre Dame, he served as both a theology and health teacher as well as the Athletic Director. Affectionately known as “TK,” Anthony became a beloved figure among students and faculty. His dedication to education and mentorship left an indelible mark on the lives of thousands of students, guiding them with wisdom, compassion, humor, and a deep sense of moral clarity. Outside of the classroom, Anthony's commitment to justice and public service led him to a role as a court officer at the Northampton County Courthouse. He approached this responsibility with the same dedication and integrity that characterized all aspects of his life.
The life of Anthony Koury and that of his beloved Our Lady of Lebanon Church in Easton, Pennsylvania, were inextricably intertwined. While being interviewed by the Maronite Voice in 2019, he fondly recalled, “To this day, I have a vivid memory of meeting Father Norman Peter, in 1952, on the steps of Our Lady of Lebanon. From that day, at the age of five, until today, I have been actively involved with the church—as an altar server, a cantor, a lector, a member of the Parish Council, director of religious education, deacon—you name it and I have done it!”
Anthony answered his divine calling on September 14, 1975, when he was ordained as a Sub-Deacon of the Maronite Catholic Church by the Most Reverend Francis M. Zayek, then Archbishop of the Eparchy of Saint Maron. Archbishop Zayek later ordained Anthony as Deacon on July 11, 1982. In 1987, he was selected by Archbishop Zayek as one of two Deacons to represent the Maronite Diaconate at a meeting with His Holiness Pope John Paul II in Detroit, Michigan. For the last 49 years, Deacon Anthony served with distinction at Our Lady of Lebanon Church in Easton, Pennsylvania, where his spiritual guidance and heartfelt homilies enriched the lives of parishioners and strengthened the fabric of the community.
Anthony’s pride in his Lebanese heritage was a cornerstone of his identity. Every August he looked forward to helping organize Our Lady of Lebanon’s annual Lebanese Heritage Days, embracing the opportunity to celebrate his culture and share it with others.
Anthony’s poetic talent was another facet of his rich legacy, with his verses capturing the beauty of his faith and human experience. He would write a poem for every birthday party, graduation, baptism, and marriage ceremony which he attended. His famous quote, “May God from whom all blessings flow; his grace and love on you bestow; and keep you in his love and care every day and everywhere,” beautifully encapsulates the essence of his teachings and the depth of his beliefs.
Anthony’s life has been one of total dedication to his family, his community, his student-athletes, and his church. He had a favorite quote that came from General Albert Pike: “What we do for ourselves dies with us, but what we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.” When he was interviewed regarding his retirement from Notre Dame in 2012 by Morning Call Reporter Keith Groller, Anthony said how he would like to be remembered: “You are born into this world with nothing and you leave with nothing. What you’re remembered for is the goodness you do in between. I’d like to be remembered as someone who tried to bring affirmation to the goodness of the people on this earth. Anyone can complain. I tried to look for the positive.”
Anthony was a kind, loving person who loved doing good deeds for others. He was a champion of God’s work, someone who gave, gave, gave and asked for nothing in return. As we remember Anthony, we celebrate a life rich in faith, love, and education. His spirit, teachings, and poetry will forever continue to inspire and guide us, serving as a beacon of the difference one life can make. Anthony's passing leaves a void in the lives of all who knew him, but his legacy of love, faith, and service will endure for generations to come. As we mourn his loss, let us also celebrate the extraordinary life of Anthony Koury, a man whose kindness, wisdom, and unwavering faith touched the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Anthony is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Chafica “Cheffie” Koury; son, Anthony P. Koury, Jr.; daughter, Frances M. Koury Marcus and her husband Jason, of Denver, Colorado; grandchildren, Alana and Jaxon, nephew, the Honorable Michael J. Koury, Jr. and his wife Elaine; two great nieces, Josephine and Rebecca Koury; great nephew, Michael J. Koury III; niece, Catherine Koury, sisters-in-law Josephine Koury, and Susan Olson and her husband John, as well as many cousins. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, District Judge Michael J. Koury, and a sister, Frances Koury.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, April 14, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church, 55 South Fourth Street, Easton, PA with The Prayer of the Incense at 7:00 p.m. An additional calling hour will be held on Monday, April 15, 2024, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Morello Funeral Home, Inc., 3720 Nicholas Street Easton, PA 18045. Divine Liturgy will take place at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery, Palmer Township. Arrangements are entrusted to Morello Funeral Home, Inc., 3720 Nicholas Street, Easton, PA (Palmer Township). Online condolences may be offered at www.morellofuneralhome.com.
