Youssef Roumanos Sassine

Father to four children, Helen, Lena, Raymond & Ramona.

Father in law to Nabil, Alex, George and Saline.

Grandfather to Chloe, Claudia, Rachel, Georgio, Christiane, Joe, Rebecca, Elissa, Isaiah, (Jerome deceased), Rafaela & Charbel.

His children and grandchildren gave him strength during the tough times and laughter and joy all of the time. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren.

Affectionately known by all as Joe, Youssef was born on the 15th May 1952 in Hadchit, Lebanon to parents Roumanos band Hamidee Sassine. The eldest of 9 children, his 2 sisters Nazha and Houda and 6 Brothers Peter, Bcharra, George, Michael, John, and Milad.

Youssef met the love of his life Rafca, also from Hadchit in the early 1970’s. They would marry in 1974. Together they migrated to Sydney, Australia, initially residing in Auburn then Lidcombe, and finally building their own home at Murray Street Merrylands in 1978. There he built a majestic shrine in their front yard devoted to Our Lady, St Charbel, St Rafca and St Raymond.

Just like his Patron Saint St Joseph The Worker, Youssef was meticulous at any task he applied his hands to. He had a keen eye for carpentry, wood work, French polishing, cabinetry and even making his own furniture. He was a jack of all trades, devoting many hours of his spare time to helping family and friends with their own home renovations, construction works and projects. With his spirited positive, no-nonsense attitude and unwavering patience, he handled the difficult tasks well.

He worked for 40 years as the head of cleaning services at Western Sydney Health Service (Westmead Hospital). When he began back in 1975, Youssef started off as a reliable, diligent cleaner. By 1976 Youssef progressed to team leader, eventually becoming a supervisor, working from his own office, writing daily reports, conducting monthly inspections, rostering and investigating issues. During this time Youssef was very proud to have led and supported Westmead’s 240 cleaning staff. After almost 40 years of service, Youssef made the decision to retire from Westmead Hospital. He hated saying goodbye to his colleagues and friends and it was emotional and bittersweet for him. In 2016 over 60 of his former Westmead Hospital colleagues and his family held a farewell party to commemorate his retirement.

In retirement Youssef was able to devote more time to his favourite hobby of gardening in his front and back yard. Always planting fruit and vegetables of the season and visiting the nursery for the latest flowers and plants. He was an avid and resourceful collector of old ride on toy cars which he converted into planter boxes.

At 3pm each day, Youssef would make his way down to his beloved Merrylands Bowling Club to catch up with his mates for the daily membership raffle, some cold drinks and to unwind. It was here that Youssef enjoyed socialising and sharing a laugh with others. He always possessed a contagious smile and entertaining sense of humour. His signature gift of joy, shown through his constant smiling, laughter and joking around that will never be forgotten.

Many of his friends from all walks of life would no doubt remember Youssef as a cherished individual known for his kind, loving, caring, and humorous personality, Youssef lived a life filled with tremendous passion, sacrifice and service towards others.

Rest In Peace 🙏