Sami Philip Maloof, had a zest for life

Sami Philip Maloof, 82 years young, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, leaving behind a colorful legacy of laughter, friendship, storytelling and his zest for life.

Sami was born in Beirut, Lebanon, July 10, 1943, to Philip Najim Maloof, a Lebanese American, and Soosan Sleiman Maloof, a Lebanese citizen. They lived in Zahle, Lebanon, until Sami was 3, when the family returned to the U.S. They lived in Brookline, Mass., for five years before settling down in Oxon Hill, Md., a suburb of Washington, D.C.

After graduating from Oxon Hill High School in 1961, Sami joined the U.S. Air Force, where he served as an airplane mechanic. The skills learned in the Air Force prepared him for work at David Pyles Auto Dealership in Annandale, Va., where he worked for a few years.

In the late 1970s, Sami made his way to Rehoboth Beach, where he planted roots and built a life full of friendships. Sami was never one to sit still for long. He worked a brief stint as barkeep at Slickers Bar on the boardwalk, served as assistant manager at Obie’s by the Sea, and was the proud owner of Sammy’s bar in Dewey Beach. He was a partner in a coin laundromat and the original Wheels Bike Shop, and opened General Rental in Lewes, where he served the community for many years.

The Delaware Beaches suited him. Sami appreciated good company, good stories, and the kind of days that ended with a few laughs and a good cocktail. He was known to hold his own in conversation, and if you were lucky, you might even win an argument.

Sami loved to dance, and he did it with contagious enthusiasm. Once the music started, Sami was in his element, spinning his ladies around the dance floor with a grin that would light up the room. More than once, his dance partners were the ones asking for a break while Sami was ready for “just one more song.” And if there was a tambourine within reach, it didn’t stand a chance, because boy, could he play it. Sami didn’t just keep time – he became part of the music.

Sami worked hard, spoke his mind, and loved deeply in his own steadfast way. He had a quiet strength about him – though those who knew him well would say there was nothing quiet about his opinions. Beneath it all was a lover of life, a loyal friend, and someone who always showed up when it mattered.

Sami is survived by his sister, Mouna Maloof Anderson; his nephew, Curtis Allan Anderson; his niece, Eileen Michelle Anderson, and their families. Sami was very close to his late brother Naji Philip Maloof.
It is hard to forget someone who gave us so much to remember. So, here’s to you, Sami. You’ve left such an indelible impression on this earth, and your smiling face will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know you.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 28, at The Starboard, 2009 Coastal Hwy., Dewey Beach.

In honor of Sami’s memory, donations may be made Celebrate Wellness Foundation, celebrate-wellness.org; or Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company, rehobothbeachfire.com/donations.

Visit Sami’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.