Sami Badre

Sami Badre
July 4, 1940 - September 21, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Sami Badre.
Survived by his children Albert and Linda, Dad was a remarkable man—driven, dedicated, and deeply loving. His spirit was one of quiet determination, always striving toward his goals with unwavering resolve. But above all, he cherished his family. His love for us was boundless, and his devotion to our mother, Janet, was the cornerstone of his life.
Together, they shared over 60 beautiful years—a partnership built on love, laughter, mutual respect, and their Catholic faith. After Mom's passing in 2023, not a day went by that he didn't miss her. Their bond was extraordinary, and their life together was a testament to enduring love.
We will miss him dearly, but we take comfort in knowing that he is reunited with our wonderful Mother, the love of his life, in Jesus Christ. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled in us, and in the memories we hold close to our hearts.
In Lebanon, Dad was in Boy Scouts in his younger years. He attended the American University of Beirut (AUB). Aside from his studies, he played soccer and trained as a lifeguard.
Dad emigrated to the United States from Lebanon in 1960. He met Mom at school in Albany, NY. Mom attended the College of St. Rose and Dad attended Siena College. Their love flourished as he attended American Institute for Foreign Trade/Thunderbird in Phoenix, AZ. They would speak on the phone once a week and corresponded daily via U.S.P.S. We found several of the letters Dad wrote to Mom from the year before they were married. He was continually planning how they would begin their new life together, analyzing finances, discussing Mom getting a teaching position where they would live in Phoenix until he finished school, the type of transportation they would use to get from New York to Arizona and, eventually, Southern California. He professed his love for her and excitement about their upcoming married life together always ending his letters with "I love you" and "God bless you".
Once established in Pasadena then San Gabriel, CA, Dad received his MBA at USC. Dad began his career in international banking in the 1970s and moved into real estate, obtaining his broker's license in the late 80s. He climbed Mt. Whitney with friends in the early 70s. He started Region 40 of the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) in the 70s as soccer was a big part his life growing up in Beirut. He passed on his love for soccer with his children who played for a number of years and eventually became the National Director of Officiating.
Dad was about relationships. He and Mom made friends wherever they went and left an impression on those around them of joy, laughter, happiness, kindness, and generosity.
Once moving to the high desert in Victorville, CA, Dad became an established face of real estate, winning awards, forging relationships, and enjoying their new community. Dad loved his favorite breakfast place, and would go there several times a week, not only for the food, but to see the people, staff and patrons alike.
Mom and Dad made an impression wherever they went getting to know the people in the community at; their favorite breakfast place, the dry cleaners, the Middle Eastern market, the grocery store, the bank, and most of all, the wonderful people Dad worked with at Century 21 Desert Rock. The love and support they had from Dad's office family was special. They loved Mom and Dad. They rallied together to provide Dad with home-cooked meals for several days after Mom's passing in 2023. Wonderful people!
During the last year of Dad's life, we were blessed to have the most wonderful caregiver, Stephanie. She took Dad to his appointments, kept him company, ran errands, took him to breakfast, and made sure he had what he needed. She did everything with such love and caring. Dad loved her and missed her when she wasn't there with him. Stephanie was such a light in his life and was such a blessing since Albert and I were not able to be there with Dad. Two additional wonderful caregivers, Sofia and Mikayla, were at Dad's side while in the hospital. They kept him company, helped him eat, and advocated for him as needed.

In Dad's final days, when asked how he was, he responded, "A-Okay!" Positive to the end.