William John Shalhoub

Deacon William (Bill) John Shalhoub, faithful servant of the Lord, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and social worker, passed away while surrounded by his loving family on May 20, 2026 at the age of 85. He was born on October 10, 1940 in Jersey City, New Jersey to William and Anna Shalhoub.

Driven by an unwavering sense of devotion to God, Bill spent more than half his life guiding parishioners through the teachings of Christ. He was ordained on June 14, 1975 and served faithfully under the direction of Father John Tahany at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Catholic Church for over 15 years.. After leaving St. Frances in 1995, he continued his ministry at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Loma Linda under the direction of Fathers Gill and Ignatius until his retirement in 2015. Although retired, he chose to continue ministering and serving the community of St. Joseph for several years. In 2021, he returned to St. Frances and supported the parish community as his health permitted. Before his death, Bill was the longest serving deacon in the San Bernardino Diocese since its inception, having been active for almost 51 years.

Bill’s profound commitment to serve others was substantiated by his professional calling, helping vulnerable populations in his role as a licensed clinical social worker. Upon receiving his Masters degree from Rutgers University in 1970, Bill spent the next 53 years advocating for the sick, addicted, mentally ill, and those suffering from loss. Bill’s outreach extended well beyond a professional capacity, reaching into his community to encompass his family’s and friends’ loved ones, acting as a father figure, friend, and confidant. Though he technically retired in 2008, his passion for helping others was evidenced by his continued work in a part-time capacity at Redlands Community Hospital until 2023. Additionally, he supported those beginning their careers in social work through mentoring and supervision throughout much of his career. Being able to pass along his extensive knowledge and share his experiences with others in the field brought Bill so much joy and satisfaction.

Beyond his professional achievements, Bill was a proud husband, father, and grandfather. He and his wife Marlene spent 59 years together cultivating a family of which he was immensely proud. Together they ensured all four of their children obtained college degrees, and witnessed decades of their happy and successful marriages. Bill was gifted with the opportunity to conduct the marriage ceremonies of both his sons, baptized his two daughters and all seven of his and Marlene’s grandchildren. Countless afternoons and evenings were spent in support for his children and grandchildren at various sporting events and music performances. In his downtime, he most enjoyed sitting in his favorite recliner, basking in the company of his family as they spent quality time together. He would listen and add in his own delightful quips and silly jokes, inserting movie lines every chance he got. Being a lifelong baseball fan, Bill never missed an opportunity to watch his beloved, (though sometimes frustrating) Los Angeles Angels on TV. Between his work, service, ministry, family, and love of baseball, Bill lived a life full of purpose, laughter, and joy in spending time with those he loved.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Marlene; his sons Paul (Belinda) and Mark (Irene); daughters Katherine Juback (Alex) and Saraya Martinez (David); his brother, Tom, and sister, Violette Greeley; seven grandchildren, six nephews, and two nieces.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Anna Shalhoub.

A vigil will be held on June 16th from 6-8pm at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Loma Linda. Bill’s funeral Mass will be celebrated on June 17th at 3pm at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Church in Yucaipa, with a reception immediately following at the Parish Center. The committal service will take place on June 18th at 11:30am at Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery in Colton.