Albert Shamy, 91, of Sylvania, OH, passed away, Wednesday, October 17, 2018, at the Goerlich Center. He was born in Toledo to parents Issac and Selma Shamy. Albert was proud to have served with the United States Army during W.W. II.
Upon returning from the service Albert began working in the Shamy grocery stores and took over the operation with his brother Nick in 1949 after the death of his father. The stores were located on Washington and 14th, Monroe St. and Dorr St. until 1967 when the expressway took the Downtown grocery store. Albert opened a Sealtest Store on Main St. in Sylvania, and then in 1968 took over the Red and White Store located at Detroit and Central Ave.
Unfortunately, a gas explosion destroyed the store. In the Fall of 1969 Albert and Nick opened the Griddle Cake Restaurants, with locations on Monroe at Talmage, Reynolds Road, and the former Greenwood Mall. When Nick became ill, Albert sold two of the stores and kept the Monroe St. location.
The Griddle Cake was known for great food, especially breakfast. Albert prepared all the soups and pancake batter from scratch and many other items on the menu. The restaurant became a meeting place for many families on Sunday following church services.
In 1991 the building was sold, and the restaurant closed. Albert and his Great Nephew, Danny Dittman reopened the Griddle Cake in the Sylvania Market Place and continued the same traditions of the previous locations. The Griddle Cake closed for good in 2007 when Albert was 80 years old.
For more than 37 years Albert, his wife, and niece Pat, who Albert considered a daughter ran the restaurants. Albert worked from 4:30 AM until 10 PM, each day and enjoyed every minute. He loved his employees and worked alongside them when needed.
Albert is survived by his daughter Janet (Stephen) Gwin; niece Pat Dittman whom Albert considered a daughter; grandchildren Zachary and Madeline Gwin; a host of nieces and nephews; and his faithful K-9 Molly. He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife Joanne (Furfaro) Shamy of 63 years when she passed and 12 brothers and sisters. Friends and family are invited to gather at the Reeb Funeral Home, 5712 N. Main St. Sylvania, OH, Wednesday, October 24th from 3 PM and attend the Funeral Outside of Mass that begins at 6 PM, followed by Military Honors.
Albert’s family would like to thank the staff of the Goerlich Center for their loving care during this difficult time. Those wishing to offer memorials in Albert’s honor are asked to consider, in lieu of flowers, the Toledo Humane Society.
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