Wafeek Khoury

Wafeek Khoury died Oct. 11, 2020 in Toledo Hospital after a week surrounded by his loving family and friends in his Ottawa Hills home. Despite a long list of recent debilitating illnesses, Wafeek fought valiantly while always maintaining his sharp wit and disarming charm. Born on Jan. 5, 1932 in Bloudan, Syria, he was the fourth of five sons of Naiim Khoury and Nadeemi Azar. After his mother’s death when Wafeek was only 10, he gained a beloved stepmother, Hala Younes, a stepsister and, eventually, a sixth brother. His father and the five brothers were builders and contractors. Their work is featured famously in the heart of Bloudan on the St. George Cathedral and the well-known Bloudan Grand Hotel and Casino. For the cathedral project’s dome, Wafeek was the masonry expert. That meant he had to climb high above the ground to build the form for the dome’s shape. Once that was completed, he and a friend somehow were able to secure a huge cross to the top of the dome – it’s still there – and add lights. His skill – and bravery - became so well known that the leader of a mosque in the town contracted him to affix lights to illuminate the structure’s crescent 164 feet above ground. No one else was interested in attempting that dangerous feat. His older brother, Salim, recalled watching his brother climb to the top of the mosque: “He was so high in the air he looked like a bird flying around the tower.” Wafeek’s masonry and carpentry skills took him to Kuwait for a few months, where he unfortunately lost a thumb in a construction accident. Wafeek immigrated to the United States in 1964, settling Toledo’s North End. He was one of the last surviving past residents of his generation of that area’s “Little Syria” neighborhood. Wafeek married Mariam Abdullah on July 12, 1965 and had the first of their four children in September, 1966. He spent his entire career in Toledo working at the former Doehler-Jarvis. For 56 years, he was a devoted member of St. George Orthodox Cathedral, where he chanted - first with his brother, Shafic, and later his son, Tony and nephew, Nadeem. Wafeek also was a member of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese’s Order of St. Ignatius. Although he was known for his tremendous work ethic, Wafeek will be best remembered for his brilliance as a singer, poet and orator. He was a natural born entertainer. At a moment’s notice he would read from one of his more than 300 writings, bringing tears, laughter and joy to his audience. No family celebration was complete without an “Amo” Wafeek song or poem that he gave freely from the depth of his heart. This was his gift and his legacy. His blessed homeland village of Bloudan shaped who he was and resonates with his children, grandchildren, and scores of family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mariam, three months ago; son, Sameer; and a brother, Naseem. Surviving are his children, Tania [Mark] Mancinotti, Tony [April] Khoury and Lisa [Ziad] Hajjar; brothers, Salim [Julia] Khoury and Shafic [Manzar] Khoury of Toledo; Ziad [Huda] and Moufid [Nouha] of Bloudan; a half-sister, Suraya Mansour, also of Bloudan; and grandchildren, Marisa, Joe and Jacob Mancinotti; Alexander, Gabriel and Naseem Khoury; and George, Leila and Boulos Hajjar. Visitation will be Tuesday, Oct. 13 from 4 to 8 p.m. at St. George Orthodox Cathedral, 3754 Woodley Rd., Toledo, where a Trisagion service will be held at 7 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 11 a.m. at the church, with visitation at 10 a.m. Please follow state and local COVID requirements, including social distancing and/or wearing masks. Burial will follow in Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. George Orthodox Cathedral, 3754 Woodley Rd., Toledo, OH 43606 would be appreciated.