Basem F. Mufleh

Basem F. Mufleh

Basem had his own way of thinking and his own unique way of doing things, traversing many landscapes and cultures throughout his life. Whether in business or community outreach, his word was his bond. Many business deals were consummated on a handshake. Like many immigrants, he possessed an indefatigable work ethic and a focus to care for his family, while remaining bound to his humble roots. To his family, Basem was larger than life.

Born in Palestine in 1937, he was the youngest boy of a large family. The two adjacent rooms that housed them lacked indoor plumbing. On many mornings he would wake early to fetch water from a nearby well for his mother. His devotion to his mother and family remained steadfast throughout his life.

As a teenager, he immigrated to the United States following his uncles, both World War II veterans of the Normandy beaches, to Toledo, allowing him to connect with family and pursue opportunities in his newly adopted country. While working multiple jobs, he attended night classes and completed his education at DeVilbiss High School. Shortly thereafter he and a fellow immigrant, who became life-long friends, made their way to New York City. Upon settling in Brooklyn, they combed the five boroughs carrying and selling bundles of fabric and housewares door to door. Basem lived a humble life as he sent most of his earnings back home to Palestine to support his mother and siblings. These formative experiences fortified a tenacity that unleashed an entrepreneurial spirit which guided his life trajectory for years to come.

Basem eventually returned to Toledo to work with his uncles. There, he developed and honed his business acumen, and became a successful self-made man launching and operating businesses in the region and abroad. Although considered a shrewd businessman, he was first thought of as an honest and fair man with an extremely generous nature. He was known to help people from all walks of life: veterans, immigrants, students, the homeless, and orphans. He stayed true to his faith and beliefs while raising his family with the same principles that guided his life.

Basem was preceded in death by his son, Yaser Basem Mufleh. He is survived by his wife, Fatmeh; his daughter, Ida; his son, Ammar; and grandchildren, Aya and Rayan. He is also survived by his sisters, Basima Hussein and Nehmeh Abushaban; along with his many nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Basem passed away peacefully, at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Services were Tuesday, January 20, at Toledo Memorial Park, in Sylvania, Ohio.