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BORN
1942
DIED
2022
FUNERAL HOME
Ayoub Jarrouj Obituary
He worked as a millwright foreman and supervisor for Bethlehem Steel for 30 years and, upon his retirement, opened Al Wadi Distributors Imports. He was an entrepreneur, influencer, activist and philanthropist, but his real passions were politics and working tirelessly for his community.
What struck many about Ayoub was how this well-traveled, influential, physical and mental giant of a man could make his way through war-torn areas, help negotiate a hostage release and meet with dignitaries around the world, yet never forget those who needed help back home.
In addition to physical strength, he also was a colorful character with a big heart. He served for many years as President of the Syrian Arab American Charity and along with his brother Radwan and the help of many in the community, coordinated outreach and food programs throughout the area. At his core, Ayoub was an unselfish man – a man of the people – whose goal was to never let anyone go without, never let anyone go hungry.
As he was once quoted in a newspaper article celebrating his lifelong accomplishments: "When you work from the heart, you can get a lot accomplished."
Ayoub was preceded in death by his father Fahad Jarrouj, mother Zakiyeh (Azar) Jarrouj, brothers Hizza Gerrouge and Radwan Jarrouj, and sisters Sonia Azar and Moutiaa Nehme. Those left to cherish his memory include wife Lila (Alexander) Jarrouj; children Lisa Vercusky of Allentown and Michael Jarrouj (and his wife, Kimberly) of Charleston, WV; and sisters Yesmine Koval, Lila Ishak of Allentown and Renee Elias of Pittsburgh. He is also survived by four grandchildren (Kadin, Tarek, Azim and Zara) all of Charleston.
A service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sep. 19th at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 1011 Catasauqua Ave., Allentown, PA, 18102. Visitation with the family will begin at 9 a.m. Interment following at Grandview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church or the Syrian Arab American Charity, 608 ½ North Second St., Allentown, PA, 18101. Arrangements by Nicos C. Elias Funeral Home, Allentown.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ayoub Jarrouj
Sponsored by Nicos C. Elias Funeral Home, Inc..
Kelli W.
December 30, 2022
So sad! I just found out about his passing. Condolences to his loved ones.
Robert D Corey
September 24, 2022
Dear Mike, Kim, and ALL The Jarrouj Family,
I'm just now aware of the loss of your wonderful father. What a wonderful man and history to always be cherished, and his lovely soul rest in peace. With Deepest Sympathy, Bob and Johnnye Corey and Families
Nancy Zadravecz
September 18, 2022
So very sorry for your loss. Ayoub was very wonderful
man and he was loved by many.
Cousin Nancy Zadravecz
Joanne Koury
September 18, 2022
Deepest condolences are offered to the entire Jarrouj/Gerrouge Families for this loss. May you find peace and comfort through the love of your family and friends during this time.
Donna Conley
September 18, 2022
Lisa
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Don
Boutros al Kabir
September 17, 2022
Allah yerhamah, yasheikh.
Bob and Pat Singley
September 17, 2022
Deepest Sympathy to the family of Ayoub. Many thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Bob and Pat Singley
Bob and Pat Singley
September 17, 2022
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Ed ferry
September 17, 2022
Renee, you are in our prayers
Ed ferry
Sonia Wehbey
September 17, 2022
I remember Uncle Ayoub encouraging individuals to take active roles in
Allentown to be a voice for our community. You were always there to help everyone. Memory eternal!
K. C.
September 16, 2022
He was an amazing man. He would give you the shirt off his back and his last dollar. He will be missed. Prayers for his family.
Theresa
September 16, 2022
What an amazing man.
Good night, Ayoub. Thank you for making this world a better place.
Richard Orloski
September 16, 2022
For those who knew Ayoub, any words of tribute are unnecessary. For those who didn't, mere words trying to explain how special he was are inadequate. Ayoub was a proud Syrian, yes, but he was welcoming to EVERYONE. His shoes are impossible to fill, but I'm sure he would want us all to keep trying. Knowing how I feel about the loss of Ayoub, I can scarcely begin to imagine losing Ayoub as a husband, father, grandfather, and brother. I offer my most sincere condolences. Ayoub will be very dearly missed.
Leesha Govender
September 15, 2022
My deepest condolences to you & your family Michael. May God be with you all & comfort you through your grief. May his soul RIP
Tracy R
September 15, 2022
I did not know Ayoub personally but have heard great things about him from his daughter Lisa (who is an amazing human being too). In reading this tribute, I can say he was a truly amazing man and this is a loss for his family and the community. I believe others will carry on his great work. My thoughts and prayers are with Lisa and her family.
George
September 15, 2022
I worked with Ayoub off and on for four years.He was passionate about his community and always treated me with respect and honor.
Sean D. Pressmann, Upper Macungie
September 15, 2022
Lila & Family -
My deepest condolences on the passing of Ayoub. I can still remember working with my father at the food bank over the summer and Ayoub and Rad handing me more boxes than I could handle as a young teen to bring out to community members. He always believed we could do more as individuals and as a community for those less fortunate. I will never forget his support for my father and grandfather´s political campaigns in both victory and defeat. Ayoub was a man of physical and mental strength, and I both wish and know you will find spiritual strength during this difficult time. God Bless!
Jeff Barber and Family
September 15, 2022
Dear Jarrouj Family, Ayoub was a huge influence in our Syrian community. He changed and made the community better for all of us that came after him, whether you were born in Syria or here in the United States. People like Jarrouj and others in our community are why we have so much Syrian pride. Men like him made sure you never forgot where our families came from to make a better life here. May God comfort the family and friends during this difficult time.
Stephen S Constantine
September 15, 2022
Huge loss for the Syrian Community. This man had a big heart. The Easton Lebanese have fond memories of Ayoub. Allah Yerhamouh. Rest in Eternal Peace and May Perpetual Light Shine Upon him.
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