Obituary of Salim Moussa Diab
Salim Moussa Diab
Age 69, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at Silver Cross Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 3, 1948 in Nazareth, Israel. Salim grew up in Israel before relocating to Clarinda, Iowa in 1967.
He was a tenured Professor of Chemistry at University of St. Francis. In addition, taught at Lewis University, Benedictine University, and Governor's State University. Salim was an active faculty member at Joliet Junior College; he educated young children in the JAMSCEEP program, and taught the Chicago Police Department in the areas of forensic science. He was also an active staff member at Argonne National Laboratory. Salim retired from his professional career as Professor Emeritus at the University of St. Francis in May 2012.
He was involved with the American Chemical Society, held a prestigious seat at the Oxford Round Table, organized Forensics Camp for kids at University of St. Francis, was a mentor for kids with the Big Brother and Big Sister program, and was an active volunteer with Joliet Area Community Hospice. Salim proudly organized Bolivia Mission Trips and was an Ambassador for Trips to Israel through the University of St. Francis, and was a local youth mentor.
In his free time, Salim took pleasure in traveling, going to the casino, and taking in shows at the theater. What he loved the most was spending time with his family. He was a very social, kind, and generous man who touched every life that he met.
He was preceded by his father, Moussa Diab and his brother, Said Diab.
Salim is survived by his mother, Naify Diab; his two sons, Ramon (Snezana) Diab and Kahlil Diab; his daughter, Anna (Sean) Leheney; his granddaughter, Vivian Ninkovich-Diab; mother of his children, Mary Beth Diab; his companion, Beverly Korby; three sisters, Najla Azzam, Georgate Mansour and Lila Hamam; and five brothers, Solemn, Sami, Salem, Suhail and Simon Diab. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
Family and friends of Salim Diab are welcome to meet directly at Messiah Lutheran Church, 19901 Houbolt Rd., Joliet where a Memorial Service will be celebrated on Friday, October 6, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. As it was Salim’s request, cremation rites have been accorded. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center at Silver Cross Hospital, 1850 Silver Cross Blvd., New Lenox, IL 60451 or the Messiah Lutheran building fund would be appreciated. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet. For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
