Eugene "Gene" Azzam

AZZAM, Eugene “Gene”, age 88, of Cockeysville, MD passed away Tuesday, July 13, 2021.

Born and raised in Michigan, he studied art at Cass Technical High School in Detroit. Gene served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, returning in 1954, to resume his career in advertising at W. B. Doner & Co. He met and married his wife of 61 years, Jacqueline “Jackie” Azzam (nee Nette), at Peace Lutheran Church, and they were blessed with four children. In 1975, he moved his family to Maryland to become Creative Director at Donor’s Baltimore office. Gene’s extraordinary career included the creation of Dow's Scrubbing Bubbles, the Vlasic Pickle stork, and perhaps most notably, Mr. Owl and the “How Many Licks?” campaign for Tootsie Pops. In retirement, Gene rekindled his great love of painting and attending symphony concerts. He was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church in Cockeysville and St. John’s Lutheran Church in Glen Arm, educating many with his hand-illustrated children’s sermons. He loved entertaining friends and family at his home and traveling worldwide with his wife, children and grandchildren. He especially loved to gather for family reunions back in his hometown.

Preceded in death by his devoted wife Jacqueline, parents Edward and Sarah and brothers Edward, Jr., Richard and Theodore. He is survived by children Jennifer Azzam, Matthew Azzam, Paul Azzam and Christine Venanzi and 6 grandchildren.

A memorial service, for both Eugene and Jacqueline, will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, July 24, 2021 at St. John’s Lutheran Church at 13300 Manor Road, Glen Arm. At the church, a viewing for Eugene will precede the service, beginning at 10:30 AM. Out of an abundance of caution for the unvaccinated, we respectfully ask that all who attend the service wear a mask. The family hopes to fill the church with smiling eyes and colorful attire, in celebration of their parent's love and the beauty they saw in everything that surrounded them. The service will be available to view live at https://www.stjohnslcms.org/ . A private burial has been planned for a later date. The family will receive guests at their childhood home, immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, friends may make memorial contributions in Eugene's honor to Chelsea's Charity at https://www.chelseascharity.org/donate/ . Condolences may be sent to the family through Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home. Arrangements by MYERS-DURBORAW FUNERAL HOME, P.A., Westminster.