Sami Suleiman Matar

Sami Matar, 53, of Brooklyn, New York, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Andrea Day Matar and the devoted father of Alexander Matar.

Sami was most proud of his son Alex and always supported the people he loved. He set a strong example of kindness, compassion, and generosity and his intelligence was unmatched. Together, Sami, Andrea and Alex travelled and explored destinations local and abroad, always looking to capture the most beautiful sunrises, relax by the ocean, spend time outside on frozen lakes, and enjoy lots of ice cream. Sami enjoyed spending time with family and was always behind the camera capturing precious moments. He knew how to capture joy in the moment and the beauty in nature and architecture. His father passed onto him the passion of playing the violin, which Sami shared with his son and other family members, all of whom participated in spontaneous family concerts during the holidays. In addition, his passions included playing soccer and travel adventures near and far. He created cherished memories with his family and friends, traveling throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Turkey, India, and Japan, always carrying a very heavy camera bag with him.

Originally from Lebanon, Sami grew up in Kuwait before moving to the United States for college and eventually settling in New York City. Wherever he lived, Sami built and maintained close friendships and was always ready to lend a hand. All who met Sami loved his kind spirit and generous nature.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Princeton University in 1994 and a Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering from Cornell University in 1995. He joined LERA Consulting Structural Engineers in 1995 and served as an engineer and leader for over 30 years. He was a brilliant designer and played a pivotal role on some of LERA’s most complex projects, including a project in Mumbai, India, special for bringing him and his wife together. He was a member of several engineering committees and forensic investigative teams, as well as a longstanding contributor to an annual charitable design competition combatting hunger in New York City that brought him great joy. Sami was admired by colleagues and clients alike for his creativity, dedication, and mentorship.

In addition to his wife Andrea and son Alex, Sami is survived by his mother, Lucette Matar; his brother, Elias Matar and sister-in-law, Coral; his sister Joumana Driscoll, and brother-in-law Kevin; and extended family in Montreal, Paris, Rome, and Lebanon. He was the proud uncle to Danny Driscoll, Julia Driscoll, Lucas Matar, Thalia Driscoll, and Natalia Matar. He was predeceased by his father, Suleiman Matar.

Sami was an extraordinarily kind soul and will be remembered for his steadfast devotion to his family, his compassion for others, his easy laugh, and the lifelong friendships he cherished. Sami moves now to an even deeper place in our hearts, and by sharing stories of him with others we will always lovingly remember him. May his memory be eternal.

Visitation will take place at Joseph G. Duffy Funeral Home

255 Ninth Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215, Wednesday April 22, 2026

From 5-9pm Trisagion at 7pm

Funeral Service will be held at Church of the Virgin Mary

216 8th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215, Thursday April 23, 2026 10am

Interment to follow at Green-Wood Cemetery,

500 25th Street Brooklyn, NY 11232

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in memory of Sami to the following organizations he supported:

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

https://www.stnicholasgreekchurch.com/

Church of the Virgin Mary https://virginmarybrooklyn.net/

World Central Kitchen https://wck.org/

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/