BOARDMAN — Lloyd Maron Yazbek, 72, passed away Wednesday, Sept.18, 2024, from prolonged health complications which he battled bravely.

Lloyd was born Jan. 19, 1952, to Rizzie D. and Genevieve Daboul Yazbek in Youngstown. After graduating from Cardinal Mooney High School in 1970, he sought out a variety of entrepreneurial opportunities while completing his YSU studies. In his younger years, he developed his work ethic by driving a school bus, then selling tailored suits and shoes. He soon landed in the optical industry starting out as a frame salesman. He was a natural-born salesman and his career advanced quickly. In 1997, he bought Central Optical Laboratory in Youngstown and began producing wholesale lenses and frames for eye doctors in the Mahoning Valley and across the country until his retirement in 2023.

If you were a friend or colleague of Lloyd, you knew his larger-than-life personality. When he entered a room, he was a force and his laughter could be heard rooms away. With his signature zest and energy, he generously passed along his competitive drive and ambition to family and colleagues. He always made sure to offer advice to the younger adults and propelled them to find their way in life.

In his spare time, Lloyd was an avid golfer. Come rain or shine, he could be found on the greens as many days as possible. One iconic memory of Lloyd was when he was able to achieve a few holes on a warm sunny day in the winter with snow on the ground!

Lloyd was especially proud of his Lebanese heritage and Maronite roots, a true testament of his life. His and Linda’s home became the family hub, a place where gatherings both small and very, very large have been enjoyed over the years. Their dining room table is uniquely much longer than the average to accommodate the number of regular visitors and cousins who stop in for a blessing of Lebanese food and hospitality. No one leaves hungry or sad. A symbol of the size of Lloyd’s heart, this oversized table, will now serve as a place to honor his memory, continuing to provide comfort, warmth, stories, laughter, and of course, raw kibbee.

His devoted work for St. Maron’s education and finance committees cannot go unnoticed, as he dedicated his time and efforts for many years.

Lloyd leaves his loving and devoted wife, Linda Bishara Yazbek, whom he married May 14, 1983; and his two daughters, Jennifer (Tyler) Morton and Elizabeth (Nicklaus) Paris; along with his beloved grandchildren, Alivia, Kathryn, Camilla Morton and Rizzie Paris, with a baby sister on the way. He cherished and adored his siblings, Amelia, Joey (Ginny), David (Toni), Marian, Sarah (Joe Marsco) and Madeline (David) Clarke; along with his in-laws, the late John (Judy), Dolores, Chuck (Linda) and Corinne Bishara; numerous nephews and nieces who were central to his life; and last, but not least, his cousin and honorary brother, Joe (Deebie) Thomas; along with his cousin and family physician, Dr. George Ellis.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rizzie and Genevieve; in-laws, Norman and Sadie Bishara; his late brother-in-law, John; and nephew, John Charles Bishara.

His legacy as a fierce leader, entrepreneurial businessman, son, brother, husband, father, Gidu and family man will always remain deeply rooted in the Yazbek and Bishara families and beyond, as he was considered the godfather for many families.

We extend our gratitude to the medical faculty of St. Elizabeth Mercy Health who were tremendously helpful in Lloyd’s complex case the last few months, and to The Cleveland Clinic Foundation and their ICU teams, who showed such compassion and care during the last two weeks of his life.

There are no public calling hours. All guests are asked to go directly into the church for the Divine Liturgy at St. Maron Parish of Youngstown, 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 23, 2024, with Father Tony Massad and Chorbishop Mike Kail as officiants, assisted by cousin, Deacon William George.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests any monetary contributions be directed to St. Maron Parish, 1555 S. Meridian Road, Youngstown, OH 44511; the Basilica & National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon, 2759 N. Lipkey Road, North Jackson, OH 44451; or the Antonine Sisters 2675 N. Lipkey Road, North Jackson, OH 44451.

https://www.vindy.com/obituaries/2024/09/lloyd-maron-yazbek-1952-2024/