Raja Bishara Hababo, 76 of Millville, NJ, passed away peacefully on Monday July 8, 2013, with his loving family by his side. Raja was born in Jerusalem, Palestine on October 25th, 1936 to Nellie and Bishara Hababo.
As a young boy, he watched his Mom cook in the kitchen, developing an early culinary aptitude. When Raja was in his mid-twenties, he immigrated to the U.S. and settled in Bronx, NY. He initially worked in for the World Bank in Manhattan, but then went on to use his true talent (cooking). He married Nuha Dabbeekeh in 1970 and opened up Raja's Deli & Catering in 1972 and serviced the Park Ridge community. He began his culinary career down in the Atlantic City casinos where he cooked for celebrities such as Liberace and Danny Thomas. His lifelong dream was realized in 1978 when he opened Raja's Family Restaurant in Millville, NJ. He sold the business and began working for the Developmental Center in Vineland, NJ as a Food Service Manager where he later retired.
At the time of his death, Raja was predeceased by his brother, Sami Hababo, his sister Aida Guirgis, and his sister Samia Awad. Surviving are his ex-wife, Nuha D. Hababo; daughters, Pamela Hababo of Millville, NJ and Tania Hababo Enders of Bloomfield, NJ and their spouses, as well as Henriette Wilson of Denmark. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Julia Grace Enders, Lucy Lynn Hababo, Rikke Thiesson, Melina Louise Svensson, and Aske Konrad Svensson.
A priviate family viewing will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2013 in the Barr Funeral Home , Millville, followed by a public graveside service 11am at Greenwood Memorial Park , North 10th & E. Broad St., Millville, NJ 08332