Maurice Rukab

Maurice Awad Rukab passed away and entered into eternal rest on July 9, 2026. Maurice was born on May 29, 1937, in Jerusalem, Palestine to Awad and Azizeh Rukab. When he was a young man, he came to the United States in the late 1950’s to start a new life. He was the first member of his family to immigrate, after which he began the process of helping his parents and siblings immigrate as well.

Maurice made his way to Jacksonville, Florida where he met the love of his life Leila Bajalia, and the two were happily married for 65 years. They began their life journey, building a beautiful family and starting many successful businesses. The legacy they both leave behind is the greatest testament to their great lives. The businesses ranged from grocery stores to sandwich shops and then to their biggest accomplishment, St. Johns Seafood & Oyster Bar, which grew to as many as eight locations.

Maurice leaves behind many family and friends that knew him as a jokester and the person to go see if you were hungry. He was a proud member of the Ramallah American Club of Jacksonville for many years and loved all of his Ramallah family. He was very proud of his three children, six grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. He has left behind an incredible and unforgettable legacy.

He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife Leila Bajalia Rukab, his parents Awad and Azizeh Rukab, and his brothers Nasser, Lewis, and Frank Rukab. He is survived by his children Lori Rukab Grassi, Robert Rukab (Paula Farhud), Muna Farah (Greg), six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, brother Michel Rukab, and sister Nawal Oweis (Sami).