John S. Shaheen, Sr., age 86 of Canton, passed away Monday morning. Born in Canton to the late Salem and Mary (Haddad) Shaheen, John was a 1947 graduate of McKinley High School. His early years shaped the man he became. He worked in his parents grocery store, sold sewing machines and then opened "John Shaheen's Friendly Bar." John was the founder and owner of the "Desert Inn" for many years before turning it over to his son and daughter-in-law Mark and Tina. His numerous achievements and memberships are as follows; St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, Phoenician Men's Club, Canton Masonic Lodge #60, Tadmor Shrine, President of the local Tri-County Restaurant Association, President of the Ohio Restaurant Association, Jesse Knight Award, Lifetime Achievement Award for the Ohio Restaurant Association, and was a crossing patrol officer for St. Joseph School from 2014 to 2015. John's kindness and generosity was known by his family, friends and acquaintances. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who gave his all selflessly. He also donated services to others with all his heart, unbeknownst. John's contagious personality entertained all with funny stories, jokes and song. He was known for playing the harmonica at the Desert Inn for special celebrations. Laughter and music always accompanied wonderful food. We will cherish these memories forever. John was a blessing to all and is missed dearly. Preceded in death by his brothers Dr. Gus Shaheen, Dr. Salem Shaheen, Jr., Attorney Michael Shaheen, sisters Rose Esber, Helen Shaheen, Wedad Shaheen, and Pauline Shaheen. John is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Sally (Markos) Shaheen, children; Regina Thomas, Mark (Tina) Shaheen, John Shaheen, Jr., Mary Dobos, 11 grandchildren; Joe (Misty) Shaheen, Markos (Danielle) Shaheen, Nicole Shaheen, Alaina and Laura Dobos, Christina (David) Lippencott, Lowell and Jonathon Thomas, Austin, Alexandra, and Ella Rose Shaheen, five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Family and friends will be received on Thursday from 5 to 8 pm at the Rossi Family Funeral Home and Friday from 10 to 11 am at church. Canton Masonic Lodge #60 will hold services at 4:45 pm in the funeral home and Trisagion Services will be held at 7:30 pm. Funeral services will be Friday at 11:00 am at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church with Rev. Fr. Michael Corbin officiating. Interment will be in Westlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in John's name may be made to St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 1118 Cherry Ave. NE, Canton, OH 44704.