Youssef "Joseph" Nouna

With unwavering resilience, infinite patience, and enduring selflessness, Youssef “Joseph” Nouna lived a life rich in family and friends. He led with his heart in all things, embracing each day as a gift and every person as a friend. A man who knew no enemies, Youssef confidently faced life’s challenges and fully celebrated its joys. In doing so, he proved a powerful role model for all who were blessed to know him. A devoted husband, father, and friend, Youssef was a man of kindness who built a legacy of love, hard work, and generosity that will linger in the lives of his family for years to come.

Born on September 12, 1928, in Old Damascus, Syria, to Mitri and Julia Nouna, Youssef grew up in the good company of his five siblings. His father was a goldsmith and jeweler who worked odd jobs to make ends meet, while his mother committed herself to caring for the children and home. A natural athlete, Youssef enjoyed playing volleyball and basketball.

He also walked to school in Old Damascus, where he grew up in a very tight-knit group of family and friends. In his teens, he enjoyed being a part of a group of friends who created a tradition of gathering weekly to play cards and hang out. The tradition continued for 70 years! Creating this group of friends and their lifelong traditions was one of Youssef’s happiest memories. With Youssef’s passing, only one member of the original group remains.

Youssef had the good fortune of being introduced to his future wife, Alis Rezk, by mutual friends. They both lived in the same neighborhood, began dating in 1956, and married a year later, in 1957. From the start, the newlyweds were a power couple who seemed unstoppable; Youssef was the ying to Alis’ yang, providing calm when Alis felt nervous.

In time, the couple happily welcomed five children to their family. Ghada, Fadia, Rania, Riyad, and Nabil were the centers of Youssef’s world. Both Youssef and Alis were hard workers who were incredibly dedicated to their family. They were selfless parents who always put their children first. Never hesitating to do what needed to be done to support their family, even when food was scarce during war times, they made sure their kids were always fed and cared for. Alis knitted clothes to make sure the kids have what they need.

Proud to learn his father’s trade work, Youssef went into business with his father and became the best goldsmith. Sadly, his jewelry shop burned down, proving a difficult time for him. As he needed to get some comfort, he traveled to Germany for the 1972 Munich Olympics to support his country. While away, Youssef’s friends and neighbors watched his house and store and ensured everything was safe. They were just looking out for him the same way he always looked out for them. While in Munich, he made sure to send a “hello” to his family over the radio.

Always calm and loving, Youssef was extremely patient and never raised his voice. He never cussed and didn’t allow his kids to cuss or be crass, either. Youssef was well- known for his belief in the saying, “Baa Sita”, which means “It’s okay” and is the essence of the lesson his children will remember him for. No matter what was happening or what hardships were being faced, Youssef firmly believed that everything would be okay. This was best evidenced in how he responded when his store burned down twice, and his savings were lost. Despite the hardships, Youssef was never discouraged; he centered himself on the belief in “Baa Sita” always picked himself back up, and began from scratch.

Over the years, Youssef often traveled to Europe, Russia, Rome, France, and Germany. He enjoyed learning and visiting various parts of the world and could speak more than four languages just from traveling so often. He was also a huge foodie and would try anything; nothing was off the table. While his favorite dishes included lamb shank and Mombar, a stuffed sheep-intestine dish, Youssef also loved a good old-fashioned steak and barbeque.

A steadfast provider for his family, Youssef would do his best to achieve and help his children do so, too. As a result of his hard work, Youssef could afford his children the freedom to move and immigrate to America to pursue their education. He worked for a very long time and even continued making jewelry for his family and grandkids after he retired. In 2012, Youssef immigrated to America for his youngest son’s twins. Though he had a difficult time at first, due to war, he couldn’t return to his country. In time, his whole family began moving nearby, and he was once again surrounded by his family and friends, which made the transition much easier. Though he was in his eighties and nineties and limited as his grandchildren were growing up, Youssef loved his grandkids, and spending time with them never failed to refresh his soul.

Clearly, Youssef positively touched, moved, and inspired the lives of those around him. Beloved by every family member, neighbor, and friend, he was a living saint who embodied his beliefs. He gifted those he so dearly loved with an enduring legacy of treating others with grace, kindness, and patience and providing his unwavering love and support. As we proudly keep Youssef’s beautiful memory alive through the honor of carrying his legacy forward, he will continue to inspire others as he so inspired each of us.

Youssef Nouna, age 96, died on Monday, March 17. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Micheal, Albert, and Claire. Surviving are his wife, Alis Rezk; children: Ghada (Raymond), Fadia (Saad), Rania, Riyad (Colette), Nabil (Carol).; grandchildren: Ezzat (Lana), Rasha (Samir), Bahjat (Elena), Rita (Anthony), Izat (Abby), Elsy, Angie, Jessie, Amelia, Joelle, Joseph, Peter, Isabella, Anthony; great-grandchildren: Fouad, Tara, Joe, Kayla, Gabriella; siblings: Edmond, Madeleine; and many nieces and nephews.

Please join us at a Life Story Visitation on Friday, March 21 from 4PM-7 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900 where a rosary will be recited at 7 PM. Mass will be celebrated Saturday, March 22 at 12noon at St. Augustine Cathedral with visitation beginning at 11 AM. Entombment Mt. Olivet Cemetery followed by a reception at the Cathedral Center. Celebrate Youssef’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.