Basim "Sam" Farhan Zarou passed away peacefully on October 6, 2023 after a series of health issues. Basim was the son of Farhan and Farha Zarou and was born on April 14, 1951 in Ramallah, Palestine. The family moved to the United States in December 1957, settling in Detroit, Michigan. Basim graduated from Thurston High School, then met and married the love of his life Soraya Kayal. Basim and Soraya were blessed with two beautiful children, Felicia Flading and Ashley Zarou, who was his father's best friend and who preceded him in death in 2009. Basim was the proud and doting grandfather to Soraya Susan, Farrah Marie, and Felix Currey, and father-in-law and friend to Jason Flading, Felicia's husband, who loved Basim like a father. Basim is also survived by his siblings, Antoinette Batshon, Firial Zarou, Basima Khashan, and his baby brother Nader Zarou, who spoke to him by phone every single day. He is also survived by his many adoring nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Basim was preceded in death by his parents, his big sister Hayat Lucille Zarou, and his beloved brother Tony Zarou, who he looked up to his entire life.
For over 35 years, Basim owned and operated Sam's Jewelry and Watch Repair, where he treated his employees and customers like family. He was a mentor and friend to all who he met, especially those who he found struggling. Basim was a brilliant writer and a fiercely loyal friend, whose kindness and compassion were boundless. He always found the joy in life, even when that was difficult, and taught his children and grandchildren to do the same. Above all else, Basim loved his family, and cherished every moment he spent with them.
We will celebrate Basim's life with a funeral mass at Annunciation Catholic Church, 1020 Montgomery Road, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 on Wednesday, October 11 at 1:30 p.m. with burial and Meal of Mercy to follow.