Issa J. Rafeedie, 1946-2019

He was born April 20, 1946, in El-Bireh, Palestine, the son of Yacoub and Zehwa Rafeedie. He came to the Youngstown area in 1967.

Issa will always be remembered for his sense of humor, kindness and love of family. Anyone who met him, instantly loved him.

Upon arriving in the Youngstown area, Issa began his career working at General Motors Lordstown plant. He then decided to become self-employed and purchased his first grocery store. He remained in the grocery business for more than 25 years until his retirement.

Issa was a proud member of the Arab-American Community Center and had many passions throughout his life. He enjoyed gardening, being outdoors in nature and rooting on his favorite team, the Cleveland Browns. He loved being with his brothers – they would talk and laugh for hours on end, but his biggest joy in life, was spending time with his precious grandchildren.

He leaves behind to keep him in their precious memories his beloved wife of more than 48 years, Randa (Khader), whom he married Aug. 1, 1971; his four children, Nader Rafeedie of Youngstown, Sonia (Pierre) Khoury of Boardman, Jacob (Rachel) Rafeedie of Canfield and Maisa Rafeedie of Akron; and his five grandchildren, Naji, Chloe, Zane, Leila and Issa.

He also leaves behind four brothers, Issam (Lydia), Bassam (Dina), Fouad (Ghadeer) and Wissam (Rula) Rafeedie; a sister, Nuha Rafeedie; as well as several loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Besides his parents, Issa was preceded in death by a sister, Nijmeh Rafeedie, and two brothers, Mousa and Husam Rafeedie.

There will be a funeral service 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, at the Chapel of Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Market St., Boardman, with Chorbishop Michael Kail officiating

Family and friends may pay their respects 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, 2019, at Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Youngstown, and 10 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Chapel.

Burial will take place in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Boardman at 11 a.m.

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com. to view this obituary, sign the guest book and send condolences to Issa’s family.

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