Fouzi Amin El Darzi

Fouzi Amin El Darzi, 86, of Chicago, formerly of Peoria, passed away at 10:05 PM on Wednesday August 18, 2021, at AMITA Health St. Francis Hospital. He was born December 4, 1934 in Amioun, Lebanon, the son of Amin and Salwa El Darzi. He married Josephine Manna (Kunz) in Lebanon; she preceded him in death. He is survived by his two children, Salwa F. (David Whealton) El Darzi and Milia F. (Fred) Julian, both of Spring Hill, Florida; his two grandchildren, Jennifer Suzanne (Chris Lemons) Julian of Kingman, AZ and Michael Anthony Price of Spring Hill, FL; his two great grandchildren, Lucas and Delilah Lemons of Kingman, AZ; and many nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his parents, two brothers; Naim and Edmond El Darzi, and two sisters; Amineh and Victoria Ghantous. Our father came to America in 1967 and worked at Caterpillar in Peoria, where most of his family lived. Dad then moved to Chicago in 1986 where he made many close friends. Many knew him by Fouzi Amin. He met many famous people in his lifetime due to his lifelong love of music and song. He was a legendary entertainer and a great Arabic singer/songwriter. He told stories with his songs, always explaining the words in English to my sister and I to make sure we would understand the meaning. A true romantic. He had the most beautiful voice ever. He was a handsome, charismatic, sharp dressed man, always wearing a suit everywhere he went. He showed a lot of class. Everyone loved him and wanted to be around him. He enjoyed spending time with his friends at the coffee shop, restaurants and entertaining with them. He loved Chicago and didn’t want to move to a small town, because he said there was no “ACTION”. Some of his favorite sayings were: "First of all", “You look good”, “Why not?”, “You’ve got to be kidding me”, “Ya Boy”, and “I like your style”. Spoken in his own unique way, like no one else can duplicate…but many try. His wonderful smile will be missed by many. He loved his daughters so very much as we loved him with all our hearts and will miss him so dearly. He will live in our hearts and minds forever. He was so kind, so generous, and true, on earth he nobly did his best, grant him, Jesus heavenly rest. Deeply Loved and mourned, heart of our hearts, we miss you so. We love you dearly Baba. Love, Salwa and Milia. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 27, 2021 at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Peoria, with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at Parkview Cemetery in Peoria. Gary Deiters Funeral Home and Cremation Services of East Peoria is assisting the family. Memorials may be made to All Saints Greek Orthodox Church. Online condolences may be left at www.GaryDeitersFH.com.

Fouzi Amin El Darzi

December 4, 1934 - August 18, 2021