Diab Rabie Obituary as announced by his family in Charlotte, North Carolina on July 14, 2010
Diab Jeries Rabie’, born October 10th, 1922, passed away on July 14th, 2010, after a long battle with lung cancer at the age of 87. He came to the United States from Palestine in 1947 as a foreign correspondent to the United Nations and stayed here with an uncle in Wrightsville Beach after the creation of the state of Israel shortly thereafter in 1948. His family fled to the city of Birzeit in Jordan’s West Bank.
From a young age he became an internationally acclaimed Arabic poet published in major Arabic newspapers and magazines around the world throughout his life. His final poetic legacy is a collection of his life work published by the Birzeit Society which he was able to see prior to his death and helped edit to fruition. All proceeds will be donated to the Birzeit Society for their charitable works. The deepest heartfelt gratitude and respect must be expressed to Dr. Munir Nasser, the Birzeit Society, and all who contributed to the organization and publication of the work he most cherished.
After starting a family here in Charlotte in the mid fifties Mr. Rabie’ was an Oriental rug entrepreneur and owned a well known nightclub in the 1960s called the Pecan Grove Supper Club where many of the biggest names in music performed. He subsequently entered the world of international investment for the remainder of his life.
Mr. Rabie’ is survived by his wife Jean Payne Rabie’, his two sons, Ziad D. Rabie’ and Diab J. Rabie’ Jr., all of whom reside in Charlotte, NC and three brothers, Rabie’ “George” Rabie’ of Charlotte, NC, Samir Rabie’ of Washington, DC, Bazeem Rabie’ of Sydney, Australia, and David Rabie' of Houston, Texas. He was preceded in death by his father, Jeries Rabie’, his mother, Maazuzi Rabie’ and his sister Nada Rabie’ Zarou.
He will be supremely loved and missed by his family forever.
The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to Dr. Stuart Burri and everyone at Carolinas Medical Center and Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region for their professionalism and compassion during these trying times
According to his wishes, visitation will be held at Good Shepard Funeral Home in Indian Trail, NC Saturday July 17th between the hours of 6pm and 8pm. Private interment will be held in Greensboro, NC. Click here for more information, condolences and memories.
Ziad's Musical Eulogy to his Father
Ziad Diab Rabie, a renowned saxaphonist and a rercording artist wrote and recorded a composition titled "Goodbye To My Father" a week before his father passed away. Click below to listen.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to Birzeit Society to start a scholarship fund for the benefit of needy students in Birzeit.
Donations should be sent to:
Birzeit Society
Diab J. Rabie’ Memorial Fund
PO Box 1822
Norwalk, CA 90651