Deeb F.

Tayar

Deeb Fouad Tayar passed away on Tuesday October 27th, 2026 at St. Agnes Medical Center in Fresno, CA. He was surrounded by his loving family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fouad and Victoria Tayar, and his sister Olivia. He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Fahda; his sons, Fouad, Jihad (Christie), and Walid (Urvi); and his beloved grandchildren, Christian, Gianna, Zaiden, and Julian. He is also survived by his sisters Souad, Nouhad, Amal, Nawal, Marie, and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and extended family members around the world.

Deeb Fouad Tayar was born on December 20, 1938 in the small town of Marjeyoun, Lebanon. At 12 years old his father died in a tragic military vehicle accident and he was left to care for his pregnant mother and five sisters. He began working along with his mother and two older sisters to provide for the household.

He learned that he was skilled with his hands and began to work as a carpenter to further support the family. At 16 he moved to Beirut, Lebanon with his sister Olivia and made a reputation for himself as a quality craftsman. He realized his potential and decided to go into business on his own instead of working for a weekly salary.

In 1961, he moved to Liberia, Africa, where he had relatives, and within six months, he was operating his own shop. He established a community of Lebanese families who had also moved to Liberia. These relationships would develop into lifelong friendships. During this time, he built a clubhouse named The Cedar Club. The Cedar Club became a place for them to socialize and reminisce about their home country.

In 1967, having established a life for himself in Liberia, Deeb returned to his hometown of Marjeyoun, Lebanon, to marry his wife, Fahda. That same year, he became a member of the Freemasons. The newlyweds returned to Liberia, where he established a Lebanese lodge that served as a gathering place for members to conduct meetings, organize charitable initiatives, and participate in community projects. His involvement reflected a lifelong commitment to helping others.

He fathered two children in Liberia, Fouad and Jihad. In 1975 after a visit to America to see his sister, Olivia, he purchased land in Fresno, CA. The instability in Lebanon and Liberia presented challenges he did not wish for his wife and children. Seeking a more secure future for his family, they moved to California, where they would make their home for the remainder of his life and welcome their youngest son, Walid.

Once in America Deeb was building homes and working construction jobs. His entrepreneurial spirit was undeniable, and his natural instinct for business led him to many successful ventures throughout his life. From purchasing a supermarket to operating an import-export business in Los Angeles, he was always eager to pursue new opportunities. He eventually returned to the Central Valley, where he opened Fresno Deli and Mediterranean Restaurant, one of the area’s first international markets. More than just a business, it became a gathering place for the Middle Eastern community, fostering friendships, connections, and a shared sense of home.

During his time here, through his actions and achievements, he exemplified The American Dream.

Deeb was a multi-talented man. He had a deep sense of community, an undying love for his family and friends, which he treated as one and the same, and a lust for life. When he wasn’t giving his time to better the lives of those around him he always remembered to take time for himself. Traveling, socializing, cooking, hosting, and getting every minute out of every day.

He retired at 60 and began yet another chapter in his storied life. He supported events such as Passport Fresno, the Greek Festival, and numerous church activities. His contributions were widely recognized. He was honored as Father of the Year at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church and was also recognized by the local Masonic Lodge for achieving a high level within the organization, including the presidency of his chapter during his time in Liberia.

He will be dearly missed.

Funeral services will be held at St. George Greek Orthodox Church on Monday, November 16th at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Deeb Tayar’s honor to St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Fresno, California, or the American Heart Association.