DEARBORN — Hundreds gathered at the memorial service of Riad Shatila on Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Islamic Center of America here.  Elected officials honored Shatila for his years of service to the community by presenting his family with declarations. 

“We begin by recognizing what he did as a wonderful American, successful businessman and contributor to the community,” Congressman John Dingell said.

Dingell says that he and his wife Deborah are proud to be among Shatila’s friends.

Congressman Dingell greets Riad Shatila’s family.

State Representatives Harvey Santana and Phil Cavananagh also presented Shatila’s wife and daughters with a declaration, signed by them and State Senator Morris Hood, State Representatives Rashida Tlaib and George Darany.

Recalling the day he met Shatila, Santana said, “As we exchanged a conversion, his kindness and his gentelness toward me made me realize, I was in the presence of a great man.”  Santana said Shatila set an example of how people should live their lives.

Congressman Gary Peters also sent a personal letter, offering his condolences to Shatila’s family; Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon issued a declaration to Shatila’s family as well. Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano also presented Shatila’s family with a declaration, and spoke at the ceremony.  Ficano canceled a trip out of town to be present at the service. The Wayne County Commission issued a proclamation this week to Shatila’s family in honor of his contributions. At the podium, Dearborn Mayor John O’Reilly said his family lived close to Shatila’s and their children went to school together.   O’Reilly talked about Shailta’s contributions, saying he donated to a lot of institutions to better the community, and brought business to the City when people traveled from all over to visit Shatila Bakery.

Local leaders, family and friends gather for the memorial service of Riad Shatila.

“He didn’t come with just an idea of creating a business, he wanted to stress excellence in everything he did, every product he made, every item he presented, it was excellent. It was the top of its type, it was the exception,” said O’Reilly.

Osama Siblani, publisher of The Arab American News called Shatila a visionary, pioneer, and quiet humble person who made the community proud. Shatila Bakery has drawn attention to Dearborn’s Arab American community on both national and international levels.

“I am proud to be an Arab American in a town where Riad Shatila made a difference,” Siblani said. 

He mentioned the jobs that Shatila Bakery brought to the area, and said that whether or not people in the community had met Shatila, they were still touched by his life. Siblani said Shatila’s family would continue to build on his legacy by improving and growing the business.