Samir Jilo

Samir Jilo of Columbus, Ohio, was surrounded by family when he went to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 8, 2020.

He was born in Aleppo, Syria, on January 1, 1930.

He is preceded in death by his son George, sister Ratiba, and brothers Nicholas, Dr. George, and Fouad.

Surviving family includes his wife Josephine Azar; Children: Siham, Dr. Anwar, Amer, Imad, Malek, Reem; Grandchildren: Wood, Gaea, Yam, Samir, George, Milad, Rasha, Lara, Mirna, Georgia, Sami, Sari, Nathaly, and Hatim. Great-grandchildren: Isabelle, Kenneth, Julietta, Tavin, Adan, Benjamin, Joshua, Issa, Sabine, Nadaliana, and Joyce.

Samir was born to Nouri and Adele (Chakar) Jilo. He married the love of his life, Josephine Azar, on July 31, 1955, in Damascus, Syria. Together, they would bring seven children into the world. By trade, Samir was a goldsmith and a jeweler who specialized in creating custom jewelry by hand. Later, Samir owned a company that built custom made homes. Then, Samir owned an import and distribution of food business before finally retiring from as an owner of a minimarket.

As accomplished as he was, the family knows Samir as Abbo and Jedo - meaning Father or Grandfather. He was a loving superhero who was involved in all his children and grandchildren's lives. He used to drop off his adult kids (in his Volkswagen Beetle) to work every morning, then walk the grandkids to and from school. Every Sunday, he would organize outings for all his children. Additionally, he would have weekly dinners at his house for all his children and their families. The grandchildren especially loved holidays with Jedo as they lined up for treats on Christmas, New Year, and Eid el Barbara.

Samir was a kind soul who helped everyone around him. He cared for his sick father, father-in-law, and brother Nicholas. Additionally, he traveled to Germany to assist in the funeral arrangements of his brother George. He had such a caring and loving heart that he passed on to all his children.

Shortly after retirement, Samir moved to Columbus, Ohio, to live with his daughter, Siham Jilo. During his time in Ohio, Samir would go on to earn his American citizenship. He enjoyed spending time with his great-grandchildren, who he taught to speak Arabic. Samir was a fantastic dancer and so full of life - even walking almost ten thousand steps per day. He often sang and played instruments during family gatherings, there was never a dull moment. He was a great cook; there was nothing he could not make. Lastly, he loved to grow plants. Samir could clip and grow anything.

We will miss his wisdom and great advice. We will miss his dance and singing parties. Watching dramas will never be the same. However, we will keep his memories alive, as Samir has touched impacted so many lives and instilled many high values amongst us. His giving nature of financially and morally supporting the family, will live on through us all.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2020 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am with a service immediately following at Newcomer Funeral Home - NE Chapel. Burial will take place at Blendon Central Cemetery - Westerville, Ohio.

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