Monir Victor Barakat

Monir Victor Barakat August 9, 1945 – June 21, 2025 It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Monir Barakat, a beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, and friend who passed away on June 21, 2025, at the age of 79, surrounded by his loved ones. Monir was born in Ain Ebel, Lebanon on August 9, 1945 to Zakieh and Victor Barakat. He lost his father at a young age and took on the immense responsibility to support his family and younger siblings. He attended American University of Beirut where he excelled in academics. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Master’s in Business Administration from Pace University, New York. Monir had a stellar career in banking which began at the National Bank of Abu-Dhabi and moved through the ranks to become Branch Manager. He moved to New York in 1980 to start at UBAF and ended his career as President of Wafra Capital Partners. He served on many educational and financial boards including as a founding member of Arab Bankers Association of North America (ABANA), Treasurer of Rene Moawad Foundation USA (RMF), Chairman of The Board of LAU Health Foundation, and Honorary Board Member of Friends of the Lebanese Franciscan Sisters (FLFS). He received many achievements throughout his career including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award from RMF. Monir was a pillar of the Lebanese community and a founding member of the Westchester Maronite Catholic Mission which is now part of St. John Paul II Maronite Catholic Church. He looked forward to the Coffee Hour following mass every Sunday and loved being greeted by the parishioners and spending time chatting with friends. He was a devoted husband to Hayat for 55 years who was the love of his life. Together, they loved hosting and entertaining friends and family and spending time with their grandchildren. Monir was a passionate runner, an avid tennis player, and enjoyed skiing. He was extremely generous in all aspects of life including with his love, time, and wisdom. He often provided financial support to many individuals and families in need, and to causes he passionately believed in, especially educational endeavors. He built a basketball court and a computer center, and covered tuitions for underprivileged children in the catholic school of his beloved village of Ain Ebel. He passionately supported and invested in start-ups to help launch family and friends’ careers. But he was mostly proud of building his dream home in Ain Ebel, where he would spend pleasurable time in the Summer. Whether it was through his career, passions, or simple everyday acts—Monir made a quiet but lasting impact on so many lives. Monir graced us with his compassion, leadership, joie de vivre, and nurturing guidance. He is survived by his wife Hayat, his son Sam (wife Karine), and his four grandchildren Isabella, Maya, Lara, and Rafael. He also leaves behind four siblings, Nazek, Nazih, Ghada, and Sana and a large family of many nieces, nephews, and cousins who will miss him dearly and carry his memory in their hearts always. He is now resting in peace with his beloved daughter and the apple of his eye, Dana, who passed away recently. A visitation will take place on Wednesday, June 25th from 4-8 pm at Dwyer and Michael’s Funeral Home (90 North Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591). A funeral mass will be on Thursday, June 26th, at 11 am, at St. John Paul II at the Immaculate Conception Maronite Church (199 North Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591), followed by a Christian burial at Greenwood Union Cemetery in Rye, New York. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Saint John Paul II Maronite Catholic Church at the Immaculate Conception at the website below. Please click the donate button. https://www.johnpaul2parish.org/

Monir Victor Barakat

August 9, 1945 - June 21, 2025