Azeez Jabbour, better known as "Zeke Jabbour", of Boca Raton, Florida, was born on November 4, 1928, in Youngstown, Ohio. On January 7, 2023, at the age of 94, he passed away peacefully after his long battle with Parkinson's Disease. After graduating from Youngstown State University, he served in the Army. While serving in Germany, he convinced his commanding officer to allow him to play bridge on Friday afternoons. Zeke, along with his German partner won many major bridge championships, earning him the right to serve as the coach of the U.S. Army basketball team. He racked up a record of 51-3, with no player taller than 6'3". He was also put in charge of Troop Information and Education, essentially a news service for the service men and women.
Following his discharge, he attended the University of Michigan majoring in Middle Eastern studies. Zeke went on to establish a company that designed and built homes. While in Ann Arbor, he was very active in The Michigan Theater where he served on many theater boards both in the US and Canada. He made international news when, under extreme deadline pressure, he designed and oversaw the conversion of the Eastern Michigan University baseball stadium into the Ypsilanti Greek Theater, for which he was given an award by Michigan Governor George Romney.
After a pause of many years, Zeke resumed playing bridge. He won many National Championships as a bridge professional. As an author, and columnist, his long running and popular ACBL column "Winsome and Loathsome" was both entertaining and educating.
In support of the National Parkinson's Foundation, Zeke created the "Play with the Stars" bridge luncheon, where he was the Honoree. Over the course of 10 years, the beloved and well attended event was a huge success.
One of the one most prestigious honors took place in 2017 when Zeke was inducted into the "Bridge Hall of Fame". This award is given annually to an individual who has contributed greatly to the game of bridge.
He is survived by his wife of years 29, Sharon Jabbour. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Shannon Cleary Kerckaert (Michael), and Todd Cleary (Allison) along with grandchildren: Sydney, Sierra, William, Nicholas, Christian, Caroline, Raegan and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by sisters: Eileen Bilal,Yvonne Bashawaty, Ellen Parminter and stepdaughter, Jill Cleary.
Memorial contributions can be made to The National Parkinson's Foundation.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BabioneBocaRaton.com for the Jabbour family.
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