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This article was originally published in the spring 2013 Harker Quarterly.
Joseph Sabeh, a Fremont resident, longtime board member and involved parent at The Harker School, passed away on Feb. 11 due to heart failure.
The beloved husband of 34 years to his wife, Linda, Sabeh was born Dec. 25, 1940, in Zahle, Lebanon, and was passionate about his family, real estate and golfing.
Head of School Chris Nikoloff fondly recalled Sabeh’s years as a distinguished member of Harker’s Board of Trustees since 1995. Sabeh’s son, Joseph Jr., graduated from Harker in 1993 and his daughter, Grace Wallace, graduated from the school in 1995. Grace currently teaches grade 2 at Harker’s lower school.
“As a board member, Joe saw the school through tremendous change, from the opening of the upper school to the acquisition of the Union campus,” said Nikoloff, adding that in his professional life, Sabeh was well known for both his integrity and honesty.
In 1984 Sabeh founded and became principal of Executive Homes Realty. Among many other awards throughout his years in real estate, he was recognized seven times by the Southern Alameda County Association of Realtors as the premier Realtor in residential sales topping $20,000,000.
Many members of the Harker community attended various services held in his honor. At the end of February there was a viewing and a vigil at the Fremont Memorial Chapel. The next day was a funeral mass in San Jose followed by a burial at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park in Fremont.
“We all remember Joe as a true gentleman. He had that rare gift of making everyone he met feel special. He had a warm handshake, winning smile and a big, loving heart for his family and friends. He served Harker and its families loyally for many years,” added Nikoloff.