Sami Sayegh

It is with deep sadness and eternal love that we announce the passing of our dear Sami Sayegh, who was cherished by family and friends around the world. Sami peacefully left this life on May 25, 2025, in Toledo, Ohio, his home for the past 40 years. Born on October 22, 1943, in Machgara, Lebanon, to Iskandar Sayegh and Nayfe Karam, Sami led a rich and colorful life, living in many places and traveling widely. His life was one of education, elegance, connection, and a fruitful experience of family, friendship and community. In the 1960s, Sami moved from Lebanon to Haughton, Michigan, where he earned a degree at Michigan Tech in English Literature. He returned to Aitanite, Lebanon where he taught in his home country for two years before he accepted a position with Aramco in Saudi Arabia in 1972. There, he taught English and served as the Director of Student Affairs for 13 years. In 1985, he briefly lived in Houston, Texas where he started a business and made lifelong friends before finally settling in Toledo in 1986 to be closer to his family. In 1989, Sami and his cousins opened Byblos Restaurant on Reynolds Road, a sister family restaurant to the iconic Beirut and both establishments would become an integral part of his life. By day, Sami could be found overseeing the lunch hour at Byblos, and by night, he served behind the bar at the Beirut, where he was much more than a bartender pouring an incredibly stiff drink, but a cornerstone of this cherished restaurant. His presence at the bar was legendary and masterful, with his hospitality, wit, and conversations full of banter and camaraderie, drawing people from all walks of life into his inner circle. Both family restaurants, their staff, leadership and clientele will miss him greatly. His daily energy and commitment was a constant source of support for so long to all who knew him. It truly is an end of an era. Sami was a man of great character, whose warmth, classic style and stature, heartfelt generosity, and sense of humor touched everyone he met. Whether through his interesting stories, ability to listen, or his famous Lebanese coffee, drinks and company, Sami had an extraordinary gift for making his people feel seen and valued. To so many, he wasn’t just a friend or family member—he was a confidant, a mentor, and a true companion. His kindness knew no bounds, and his devotion to both family and community was unprecedented. A proud son of Lebanon, Sami embraced his heritage while welcoming all with an open heart and an inclusive spirit. He truly embodied the definition of Lebanese hospitality rooted in love and acceptance. He will be remembered for his joie de vivre, his unwavering commitment to family, the discretion and humility he showed in his many good deeds, his ability to bring tenderness, humor and intimacy to every conversation and every moment you were blessed to be in his presence. Sami is survived by his sister, Samia, his brother, Daoud, and nieces Randa, Dania, and Mirna in Lebanon, and his niece Rosie in Switzerland. He is also survived by his nephew, Tony Baroud, a celebrated and well-known athlete and television commentator and presenter throughout the Middle East. Sami was so proud of Tony and stood as best man at his wedding. Godfather to many, both officially and unofficially, a beloved friend, brother, and confidant of the Hajjar families, the Abou-Arraj families, the Ajaka family, his community at Gesu Catholic Church, caregiver, Soria Taha, his neighbors and beloved friends: Sami Azar, Gordon Barry, and the late Jeff Lydon, Judy Traver, Bradley Ansberg, and too many others to name here. You know who you are. His network of loved ones extended far and wide—across generations, countries, and cultures—leaving behind a legacy of meaningful and endearing relationships. His memory will live on in the stories we share, the wisdom he imparted, the laughter he brought to our lives, and the pure love he gave so freely. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the American Friends of Al Younbouh, and organization that supports rehabilitation to children and adults with mental disabilities and special needs. To learn more about their important work, please visit: https://www.alyounbouh.org Checks can be made to American Friends of Al Younbouh or directly sent to: Wells Fargo Bank NA, 2535 Highway 98, Daphne, Alabama 36526, Acct Number: 6739510490 in the memo Friends are invited to visit from 4:00pm to 8:00pm Wednesday May 28, 2025 at Ansberg-West Funeral Home, 3000 Sylvania Avenue, where Trisagion prayers will be recited at 7:30pm. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated 11:00am Thursday, May 29, 2025 at Gesu Catholic Church, 2049 Parkside Blvd, Toledo, OH, followed by a burial at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park “I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety." Psalm 4:8 Memory Eternal dearest Sami. You will be missed by so many and carry a special place in our hearts forever.

Sami Sayegh

October 22, 1943 - May 25, 2025