Dr. Fouad Edward Yazbak, 89, of West Falmouth, MA, passed away peacefully on April 8th, 2021, joining his cherished wife of 61 years, Maureen (Moynahan) Yazbak who passed way 17 months earlier.
Born in Damanhour, Egypt, he was the son of Dr. Edouard and Eugenie (Farazli) Yazbak and brother to Yvonne and Margaret and brother-in-law to Lawrence (all who predeceased him).
Dr. Yazbak arrived in America in 1957 with his medical degree, $62 and four family photos to join the staff of St. Clare’s Hospital in New York City as an intern. Two weeks later he met Maureen who was completing her nursing education at St. Claire’s. It was love at first sight and they married 6 months later. In 1959, he joined the faculty of Brown University’s Institute of Health Sciences as Pediatric Director of the Child Development Study and Assistant Clinical Director for infectious diseases at Charles V. Chapin Hospital in Providence RI. Dr. and Mrs. Yazbak subsequently began a pediatric practice in Cumberland RI in 1963 from which he retired in 1997. Dr. Yazbak was a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and past president of the staff of Woonsocket Hospital. He was a school physician in Northern Rhode Island for 34 years in service to his community. A proud and grateful naturalized American, he helped several doctors immigrate to America.
Dr. Yazbak was known for his expertise, availability and work ethic. He was the last breed of doctor to make house calls. Patients routinely visited the Yazbak home, only to be invited to stay for dinner. An avid fisherman and boater, he spent many summer Saturday afternoons fishing with family and friends in Narragansett Bay and off Pt. Judith. Later, Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound became his favorite spots. When his children were younger and his pediatric practice busy, Maureen ensured he got breaks during the winter by organizing family winter weekends in New Hampshire.
After retirement, Dr. Yazbak returned to medical research and writing and worked to add Italian to his Arabic, English and French. He was happiest with a house full of loved ones. He loved gathering family and friends around a table for large meals featuring great food and wonderful stories.
He is survived by four children and their spouses: Edward (Donna), Eugene (Barbara), Dr. Philip (Darlene) and Kathleen (Stephen). He was the proud grandfather of fifteen: Kacia (Daniel), Bryanna (Sean), Edward, Amy (Christopher), Katrina (Adam), Eleanor, Philip, Joseph Fouad, Dr. Abigail, Andrew, Matthew, Theo, Lucas, Roddy and Louis. He was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren: Conrad, Gunnar, Zavier, Wyatt, Kyrie, Caleb and Savannah. He was predeceased by one grandchild, Bartley.
Fouad’s sister, Margaret (Lawrence) had two sons and their families adored their Uncle Fou: Roger, Susan and India Ison and Bryan and Joellen Ison.
In addition to his family, Fouad and Maureen cherished their many close friendships which spanned decades and the globe. Friends became family: for example, Dr. Patrick Levesque was like a brother to Fouad. Mrs. Andree Levesque and her son Charles were by his side in his final moments.
The funeral Mass will be video live streamed right here on Dr. Yazbak’s obituary page, on Saturday, May 1st 2021 at 11:00 AM, Eastern Time.
For those looking to remember Fouad, donations can be made to: Children’s Hospital in Boston, MA, and Riverview School in East Sandwich, MA; both played instrumental roles in the wellbeing and growth of two of his grandchildren.
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