Chorbishop Joseph Francis Kaddo entered peacefully into eternal life on April 26, 2024, after a long life of service and dedication to the Church and her people. In the days before his passing, at Catholic Memorial Nursing facility in Fall River, MA, he was surrounded by priests, religious, family, friends, and the love, admiration, and gratitude of those he served.

Born in Troy, NY, on May 10, 1944, he was the son of the late Major and Sarah (Simon) Kaddo. He grew up in Troy attending local schools. After graduation from Catholic Central High School, he worked for 2 years at Manufacturers Bank in Troy. In 1965, he began his journey to the priesthood entering St. Basil Melkite Seminary in Methuen MA, studying at St. Anselm College. In 1967, he transferred to Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Seminary in Washington DC where he studied at Washington Theological Coalition and Catholic University. He was ordained Deacon on February 5, 1972 at St. Maron Cathedral, Detroit, MI and was ordained to the priesthood at St. William Church, Troy, NY on October 7, 1972. He celebrated his first Divine Liturgy of Thanksgiving the following day at St. Ann Maronite Church in Troy, NY.

Chorbishop Kaddo's first assignment was in 1972 for one year as Assistant Pastor of his home parish of St. Ann in Troy, NY. In 1973 he was assigned as Administrator of Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Mission in Miami, FL and was the first priest to serve this community.

Again, in 1975 he was asked to open a new Mission, in Waterbury CT. He was eventually named its Pastor serving there until 1997.While serving the Waterbury Community, Chorbishop Kaddo celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Eden Lebanese American Club and guided the community to the completion of their new church building on East Mountain Rd. During this time, he also served as Administrator to St. Maron Church, Torrington CT.

He was appointed Chaplain to his Holiness, by Pope John Paul II on November 17, 1992 with the title of Monsignor. Beginning in 1994 he would travel 3 days a week to work at the Maronite Chancery in Brooklyn NY where he served as Vice Chancellor. In 1997 he was appointed to the full-time position of Vicar General for the Eparchy of St Maron in Brooklyn NY.

On January 4, 1998, he was ordained Chorbishop in Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral, Brooklyn, NY. When his time as Vicar General concluded, Chorbishop Kaddo was assigned to serve the community of St. Anthony of the Desert Parish, Fall River, MA as their Pastor. He served there from 2004-2018 after which he retired to reside nearby at the Cardinal Mederios Residence for priests.

From his youth, Chorbishop Kaddo was in his element playing the piano. Whether in his home or at Maronite Conventions or anywhere he could find a piano, he loved to play and lead friends and family in song. At many conventions and gatherings, he could be found surrounded by people, playing and singing American and Lebanese favorites.

In addition to his parents, Chorbishop Kaddo was predeceased by his Stepmother Mary "Wanda" Kaddo and his stepsister Mariam. He is survived by his Uncle John Kaddo, along with his stepsisters, Hyla Dib, Dola Roberts, Zayneh Gorman, and his many cousins.

Throughout his ministry to the Eparchy of St Maron, Chorbishop Kaddo served on the Eparchial Board of Consulters, the Presbyteral Council, and as Chaplain to the Order of St Sharbel.

Visitation periods were held on Sunday, May 5th, and Monday morning, May 6th, prior to His Divine Liturgy at St. Anthony of the Desert Maronite Church in Fall River.

An additional visitation period took place Tuesday, May 7th, 2024, prior to a Divine Liturgy at his home parish of St Ann Maronite Church in Watervliet, NY, followed by His Committal Service at his family's lot at St. Mary Cemetery in Troy NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Seminary, 7164 Alaska Ave. NW, Washington DC 20012.

Please remember Chorbishop Kaddo in the Divine Liturgy and may God grant eternal rest to his faithful servant and priest.

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