Joudat "Umoo, Jody" Hadad

Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | September 24, 2021

Joudat "Umoo, Jody" Hadad, 89, went to be with the Lord and his loved ones on September 19, 2021. He is survived by his three brothers and two sisters, several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Jody was loved by all. Although he had no children, he treated them like his own. He was more than just Umoo. He was like a father, brother, friend, mentor, a pillar of strength, ambitious, humble and wise beyond his years. His work was endless and, often times, thankless. Umoo was a well-respected man; he was the head of the family. Jody was born in Syria. He married Virginia and moved to Versailles, Pa., in 1956. He and his wife made a life in Pa. for eight years, working in the florist and restaurant industries. In 1964, they moved to Va., where he opened his first restaurant and later turned it into a music store, Jody's Music. Fifteen years later, he built and operated alongside his brother, Abdalla, their own music and auto sound store. Jody had such a love and passion for Arabic music that he performed in his free time on his "oud" with his band. He loved playing for family and friends, whether it was on holidays or SNL in his home.

In 1998, his wife passed away and his niece, Gay moved in to help care for him. Throughout his life, Jody met and influenced so many people, made so many friends and memories and will be greatly missed by all. A viewing to honor Jody's life will be held at Nelsen Funeral Home located at 4650 S. Laburnum Ave., Henrico, Va., on Saturday, September 25, 2021, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Another viewing will take place on Wednesday, September 29, 2021, from 6 to 8 p.m at his final resting place in Pennsylvania at Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield St., Boston, Elizabeth Twp., PA (412) 751-5000. Graveside services will be held at Mount Vernon Cemetery Thursday, September 30, at 10 a.m.  (Please meet at funeral home by 9:30 am for procession to cemetery). Condolences may be made at GilbertFuneralHomeandCrematory.com

Originally published September 24, 2021.

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