Issa Badr Zorub

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Issa Badr Zorub, a devoted husband, loving father, cherished brother, uncle, and friend whose life was defined by unwavering faith, integrity, humility, and unconditional love.

Issa was born on November 9, 1940, in the village of Alma El Chaab, Lebanon, to Badr Zorub and Hanneh Boueri. He was one of ten children and grew up surrounded by a close-knit family that remained central to his life. He is preceded in death by his loving sister, Saada Zorub. He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Nahia Zorub; his cherished daughters, Dr. Tania Zorub and her husband Dr. Adam Czaikowski, and Tamara Zorub; his brothers Ramez Zorub, Dr. David Zorub, Asaad Zorub, and Karim Zorub; his sisters Samira Zorub, Wardeh Zorub, Milani Abdel Sater, and Claude Boueri; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were enriched just by knowing him.

Issa dedicated his life to serving others. He first served in the Lebanese Air Force before becoming a senior officer in the Lebanese Army, where he faithfully served his country with honor, courage, and integrity. Despite holding a position of substantial responsibility, he never allowed rank or authority to define him. He remained humble, approachable, and deeply committed to helping others, earning the respect of colleagues and those whose lives he touched.

In 1990, at the age of fifty, Issa made the difficult decision to immigrate to the United States with his wife and daughters. Leaving behind his military career, his rank, and everything he had built, he courageously began again with steadfast faith and determination. He rebuilt his life from the ground up and went on to serve his adopted country for 23 years as an analyst with the United States Department of Defense. It should come as no surprise that once again, he chose a life of service.

Yet, for all of his professional accomplishments, those who knew Issa understood that his greatest legacy was never found in his titles. He was a man of resolute faith, integrity, humility, wisdom, and quiet strength. His faith in God and his love for his family were the foundation of his life. He never ended a day or a phone call without reminding his wife and daughters how deeply he loved them. His warmth, kindness, joyful spirit, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Whether speaking with a street vendor he had just met or an old acquaintance he hadn’t seen in decades, he had a remarkable ability to make every person feel valued, respected, and loved. Through war, immigration, and life's many unexpected challenges, he chose gratitude, kindness, and hope. While he earned the respect of many through his service, his greatest rank and honor could never be found on his uniform.