Souhail Sara, 68, of Clifton passed away on December 13, 2022 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born in Lebanon on April 5, 1954, he immigrated to the United States in 1976, and met his wife, Sherine, while living in Brooklyn. They spent 45 happy years together.

Souhail lived for his family and a great meal, especially Sunday dinner with his kids and grandkids. His love of food led him to a long and successful career in the restaurant industry, working as a restaurant manager at the World Trade Center and a vice president at the Riese Organization and Villa Enterprises, where he was responsible for concepts like Sbarro, Green Leaf and Bananas, Villa Pizza and many others. As an operations executive at Villa, he led the opening of countless food courts in airports and malls across the country.

Souhail was a dear friend to many. Those who knew him will remember him for his humility, kindness, eternal smile, creativity and love of life. He had a passion for food, the restaurant industry and a sense of perfection toward what food should be and how it should be prepared. He cared deeply for his employees and was a dear friend and mentor to countless colleagues.

Beyond food, Souhail's greatest joy was his family and he lived for his grandkids buying them amazing cakes for their birthdays, grilling their favorite foods and enjoying sunny days by the pool. He loved fishing and one of his most treasured memories was fishing with the grandkids at the Jersey Shore. He also enjoyed traveling with family to Egypt, Lebanon, Outer Banks, Hilton Head, Aruba and St. Kitt's. Anyone who met him knew how much he loved feeding and entertaining others with a fabulous spread. He will be deeply missed and loved forever.

Souhail will also be remembered for his example of courage and bravery. Souhail was humble, but when asked he may tell you about his experience in civil war, September 11 ^th , and the longest and most courageous fight of his life, a 10-year battle against colon cancer. He never gave up and showed us what it means to fight for your family. We will never forget his strength, humility, and perseverance.

He is survived by his wife, Sherine El-Abd, his son Bill and daughter-in-law Donna of Ridgewood, his daughter Dina and son-in-law Jim of Ridgewood, his grandchildren William, Josephine, Ryan and Sara, his mother, Yola, brothers Ghassan and Tony, sister Raghida, brother-in-law Omar, and nieces and nephews Yola, George, Gus, Joe, Rita, Angela, Souhail, Ahmed, Hassan, Mona, Vidana, Yassin, Yasmina, their families, and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his father, George.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, December 14, 2022, 11:30 am at Laurel Grove Cemetery, Totowa. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 18, 2-6 pm at  the Shook Funeral Home, 639 Van Houten Ave., Clifton.