HOWLAND - Ahmad Issa Farhan, 65, passed away Tuesday evening, Oct. 30, 2012, at his home in Howland.
Ahmad was born Feb. 8, 1947 in Jerusalem, Palestine, to Aisha Ibrahim Lutfi and Issa Ahmad Farhan.
He spent his boyhood in Bethlehem, Palestine, and graduated from Dar Jaser Bethlehem High School, 1965. He held an associate degree of art education from the American University of Beirut, 1969. Ahmad worked as a teacher in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, before moving to the United States in 1974.
Article Photos
Farhan
He lived the rest of his life in the Youngstown / Warren area, where he was a respected member and leader in the Palestinian American community.
He was a founding member of the Arab American Community Center, in Youngstown, and a member of the congregation at the Islamic Society of Greater Youngstown, Masjid AlKhair. As an entrepreneur and owner of several local retail grocery businesses, Ahmad was known as an honest and gracious friend to the community. He considered civic engagement and philanthropy an obligation and an honor. Ahmad also loved to travel, draw and paint. His artwork decorates the walls of his family's home. He was an inspirational poet and writer. Later in life, he became an avid golfer and especially enjoyed playing for charity and community fundraisers.
Ahmad was a loving husband, son and brother; a dedicated and gentle father; a playful grandfather; and a loyal friend.
He is survived by his mother and father; three brothers, Anwar, Nazih and Ramzi; and three sisters, Moyassar, Widad and Hanan. He will also be dearly remembered and missed by his wife, Karima; five children, Fadi (Asma), Suha (Heraz), Manal, Rommie (Stephanie) and Salam; and six grandchildren, Phelastine, Zane, Riyan, Aleksandr, Sofia and Selma.
The wake took place Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012, at Schiavone Funeral Home in Youngstown, and prayer services were held at the Islamic Society of Greater Youngstown, followed by interment at Green Haven Memorial Gardens. Thank you to all who have offered condolences and love to the family.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society Joseph S. and Jeannette M. Silber Hope Lodge, Cleveland, www.cancer.org/treatment/supportprogramsservices/hopelodge/cleveland/index.
(special notice)