Abe Kaoud

Abe Kaoud, 83, of Woodbridge, died June 26 2024 surrounded by his family in the house he built 45 years ago after a long battle with Interstitial Lung Disease, which he fought with intelligence, strength and determination. 

Abe was born on October 22, 1940 in Ramallah, Palestine, the youngest child of the late Khalil and Azizeh Kaoud. Survived by his devoted wife, Aida Kaoud; sons Maurice (Kathy) Kaoud of Farmington and Charlie (Aneta) Kaoud of Watertown; beloved grandchildren Grace, Alex, Adam, David, Caden, and Caelin; sisters-in-law, Jackie Kaywood of Woodbridge and Rachel Kaoud of Milford; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  Additionally preceded in death were his brothers Sam (Jackie) Kaywood of Woodbridge, Wadi (Rachel) Kaoud of Milford, Fred (Afaf) Kaoud of Wilton, Randy (Salwa) Kaoud of Woodbridge; sister Wedad (Fuad) Elfar; sisters-in-law Afaf Kaoud of Wilton and Salwa Kaoud of Woodbridge; as well as brother-in-law Fuad Elfar of San Jose, California.

Abe immigrated to the United States in 1957, at the age of 17, and immediately began working in the family rug cleaning business in New Haven. Along with his brothers, Fred and Randy, he would grow that business into Kaoud Rugs, a multi-location retail rug and carpet business known throughout New England for nearly 70 years.

Abe was a born salesman. Adept at the use of media, he was the first to use full page color ads in the Hartford Courant, then pivoted to television with his legendary Kaoud Rugs ads with his two sons. Cementing Kaoud Rugs as a household name for generations.

Abe’s energy was boundless, and he had many interests. While continuing to work with his sons in the rug business, he was also a successful, highly respected real estate developer.

Abe was highly intelligent and curious, always learning and improving himself. He had a wicked sense of humor. He found pleasure in gardening early on but developed a real love for golf and was a long-time member of the Country Club of Farmington.

Abe was diagnosed with Interstitial Lung Disease in 2017, a condition he did not allow to disrupt his life unduly. He remained active and committed to his pursuits, including his enduring dedication to the rug business that bore his name and his passion for developing real estate.

Abe was a quiet, confident and proud man of great integrity. He preferred his many acts of kindness and generosity that touched countless lives to remain private. He was a very good man, loved and respected both in his business and personal life. He will be remembered and sorely missed.

Arrangements were entrusted to West Haven Funeral Home at the Green. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, July 2nd, from four to seven o’clock. His formal procession will depart on Wednesday morning at 9:30 for a ten o’clock funeral service in St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, Orange. Interment will follow in King's Highway Cemetery, Milford. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Abe's name to a charity of one's choice. 

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