Elias Diab Saliba

Elias Diab Saliba (95) was born in the beautiful town of Bteghrine Lebanon on July 20, 1926 to Diab and Najibeh Saliba. He was the fifth of 6 children (Melvina, Marie, Jamileh, Moussa, and Salwa). He was just 7 years old when his mother passed so he learned toughness, courage, and cherishing relationships with his siblings and their children.

In 1952, he married the love of his life, Emilie Bechara Sawaya, with whom he shared 67 loving years of marriage until her death in 2019. They were inseparable their entire married life. They were blessed with 5 children; Joseph (Dorothea) Saliba, Ramona (Michael) Keller, Georges Saliba, Tony (Susan) Saliba and Hanane (Douglas) Eisentraut. He dearly loved and cherished being around his 10 grandchildren; Elias, Maria (Chris), David (Amanda), George, Michelle, Emily (David), Richard (Stephanie), Joey (Jenna), Justin, and Alaina and 8 great grandchildren; Brooke and Jacob, Noah, Raymond and Elias, Charlotte and Desmond, and Maverick.

Although Elias had only a third grade education, he started a business out of his kitchen, and with the help of his wife, grew it to what became Abi Leila, a very famous winery and beverage company. They worked day and night in order to put their children in the best schools in the country. They recognized the importance of education and would sacrifice any amount of comfort or money for their children's education.

After enduring the height of the Lebanese civil war, Elias and his wife immigrated to the United States in 1987. They left everything behind because they wanted to be among their children and grandchildren. Their joy increased with the birth of every grandchild and especially when they got to pick them up from school or have them spend time at their house. To them family was always the first priority, so they never missed an opportunity to get the family together for every occasion.
One of his proudest moments was when he and his wife became US Citizens. You could see the tears of joy and pride in their eyes during the swearing in ceremony and the appreciation they had for this great country for a second chance and the great opportunities it gave their family.

Elias was not only a highly respected wine master, but also a self-taught chemist and engineer. He experimented to design and manufacture liquors and brandies unique to his company. What helped his success is his natural business acumen but more importantly his ability to build relationships and care for people and his employees. His customers were his friends and his employees were treated like family. He passed these traits on to his children and grandchildren who have used them to build their own successes.

Relying on his courage and toughness, and despite not knowing any English, he worked as a maintenance worker at McDonald's until his retirement. He never gave up on learning English showing his nothing is impossible attitude.

Since his arrival in the USA but especially after his retirement, Elias loved helping his children with yard and house maintenance working hard to keep up with all of his children's houses. He derived such joy from giving of his time and talents to those he loved dearly.

Visitation will be on Saturday October 9, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. followed by mass of Christian burial at St. Ignatius of Antioch Maronite Catholic Church on 50 Nutt Rd. Dayton, Ohio 45458. Interment will be private at Woodland Cemetery. Church policy requires wearing masks inside for the viewing and mass.

In lieu of Flowers, donations may be made to St. Ignatius of Antioch Maronite Catholic Church.