Samir Elias Shaya of Richboro, PA died peacefully on Sunday, December 22, 2013, at St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne. He was 77.

He was the beloved husband of the late Patricia Ann Illgas Shaya.

Born in Jaffa, Palestine, Samir was the son of the late Elias and Jane Hannaah Shaya.

Samir’s early life began in Palestine where he excelled in soccer, boxing and other athletics. He also taught athletics after his graduation from high school, and in 1956 he was the National 100meter record holder in track. He enjoyed running on the beaches with his brothers and cliff diving. He was also a Rotarian in Eastern Europe. After emigrating to America, Samir earned his degree at the University of South Florida as well as his pilot’s license. He worked tirelessly for many years and became the proprietor and operator of Sam’s Arco (now known as Sam’s Auto Repair) on Street Road in Warminster. Samir will always be remembered by family, friends and patrons as a kind, loving and caring man with an endearing smile that could warm the hearts of all.

Samir is survived by his loving and devoted children Leahnora Ilana Shaya of Warminster and George Elias Shaya and his wife Courtney of Richboro. He is also survived by his siblings; Fred Shaya, Samira Rebello, Salva Esikoff, Sami Shaya, and Nadia Shaya, and his 6 grandchildren: Hunter Lee Vignola, Zack Vignola-Shaya, Thomas Charles Riemenschneider, Phoebe Ann Shaya, Emily Grace Shaya, and Katharine Rose Shaya. His love and adoration of the children and family pets will never be forgotten.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewings at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 654 Hatboro Rd., Richboro, PA 18954 on Friday, December 27th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and on Saturday, December 28th from 9:00am until his Funeral Mass at 10:00AM.

Interment will follow in Forest Hills Cemetery, Huntingdon Valley, PA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.