Mohammad Faris Fayyad

Over the last nine months, his handling of medical issues was just another demonstration of his courage. He faced every issue as a challenge for him to overcome. Despite everything, he persevered and stayed strong until the very end.

Mo was born in Majdel Baana, Lebanon on April 25, 1931 to Faris and Wadad Fayyad. His parents instilled values in him he would carry for the rest of his life. While working alongside his father on the family farm, he learned values such as hard work, perseverance, and integrity. During this time in his life, he also spent a lot of time with his mother who taught him to cook. He was so inspired by this experience and eventually developed a love for cooking that would last a lifetime.

At a young age, he knew he had to work hard to help his family in any way possible. As a result, after one year of college in Lebanon he transferred to the American University in Washington, DC. This would allow for him to work while continuing his education in order to meet his goals. During these years, he worked with his uncle at the Blue Mirror Restaurant in Washington, DC.

While traveling with his uncle to visit friends and family in Danbury, Connecticut, Mo met the love of his life, Samia Hallaway. Within a year, they were married and began a 64-year journey together. Their lives were filled with love, affection, dedication, understanding, and compassion. They were blessed with three beautiful children, Richard, Samira, and Kameel. In addition, their lives were graced with six amazing grandchildren, Faris, Miles, Holden, Zoe, Quinn, and Liam. The greatest joy in their life together was being able to spend time with their family, especially their grandchildren.

In the early 70s, Mo and Samia purchased their own restaurant in Washington DC, The Art Gallery Bar and Grille. They successfully operated the restaurant for more than 30 years and often welcomed the who’s who of DC’s political players. Even so, Mo remained grounded in his principles and values. He believed the greatest success of the restaurant was it provided him with more opportunities to help others. Pillars of their community, Mo and Samia could always be counted on to assist anyone in need. Mo embraced the newcomers from Lebanon and offered support and guidance as they began their new lives in the U.S. Anything that could be done to help someone in need was done, period.

He developed friendships that would last a lifetime. He built relationships based on shared values, beliefs, and principles. During the last nine months of his life, Mo enjoyed the company of so many old friends and always greeted them with a smile. Right to the end, he was ready with a witty story to share or a joke to tell.

Mo enjoyed his retirement by gardening, spoiling his grandchildren, and making delicious hummus for everyone in his life.

He is survived by his beloved wife Samia Hallaway Fayyad. His brothers Salah Fayyad and Halim Fayyad, and his sister Labibeh Fayyad Abou Alwan. His children Richard Fayyad, Samira Fayyad Woodings, and Kameel Fayyad, His daughters-in-law Hala Salha Fayyad and Dima Abou Alwan Fayyad. His grandchildren Faris, Miles, Holden, Zoe, Quinn, and Liam. His brother-in-law Sammy Najib Hallaway.

He was preceded in death by his sisters Salha Fayyad Sadaka and Zahia Fayyad Abou Saab. His mother-in-law Dorothy Elizabeth Hallaway. His father-in-law Najib Yousef Hallaway. His brothers-in-law Ghassan Najib Hallaway and Nadim Yousef Kassem. His sister-in-law May Hallaway Kassem. His son-in-law Lewis Edward Woodings.

Mo will be honored on Saturday, September 3, 2022, at Joseph Gawler’s Sons at 11:00 a.m., followed by a burial at Parklawn Memorial Park and a repast at his home.