Dr. Zouhair Yassine

DR. ZOUHAIR YASSINE, age 91. Beloved husband of 66 years to Carol (nee Batich). Loving father of Leila Vespoli (Anthony). Cherished grandfather of Daniella Vespoli, J.D. (Allison Vespoli) and Carolyn Vespoli, M.D.  Dearest son of the late Chafic and Leman (nee Demirel). Dearest son-in-law of the late Louis Sr. and Martha Batich (nee Coha). Dear brother of the late Farouk and Nabil. Also survived by nieces, nephews and many dear friends.

Dr. Yassine was a kind, thoughtful, considerate and generous man always ready to help those in need.  He was born in Beirut, Lebanon.  He graduated from the French Medical School in Beirut.  He came to the USA in 1951 to specialize in Orthopedic Surgery and met his wife, Carol. He moved to Akron for his orthopedic residency at City Hospital and was invited to join the local leading orthopedic group.  He became a member of the Senior Staff of Akron General Hospital and Children’s Hospital.  In his early practice in Akron, he introduced the advanced treatment of fractures and total joint replacement.  He was a pioneer in orthopedics at Medina, Barberton, Wadsworth, Ravenna, New Philadelphia and Millersburg Hospitals.

He was one of the founders of the Crystal Clinic, served as President of Orthopedic Surgeons at the Crystal Clinic for many years and was proud to see it grow and serve the community.  He was asked to join the new Northeast Ohio Medical University (formerly NEOUCOM) when it was founded and taught Anatomy at the school for over twenty years. The Gross Anatomy Laboratory is named in his honor.  He was appointed Honorary Professor of Anatomy and Professor Orthopedic Surgery.

Dr. Yassine was very active in Scouting for over fifty years.  He attended many international Jamborees.  He received the King Scout Award and the Silver Beaver Award.  He also received a commendation from Emperor Hirohito of Japan for saving the life of his good friend, the Chief Scout of Japan during the World Scout Conference in Tokyo, Japan.  Scouting allowed him the opportunity to meet the Queen of England, the King of Sweden and the Pope.  Locally, he was also very involved in scouting.  He was a member of the Board of the Great Trail Council and helped with many leadership training courses at Camp Manatoc.

Eager to give back to the community, he also served on the University of Akron Foundation College Centered Committee, and the Board of Trustees of: The International Institute, City Hospital and the Summit County Medical Society.  In recognition of his life-long dedication as a physician, surgeon and educator, he received numerous medical and community honors including an honorary Doctor of Science degree from NEOMED, the Dean’s Award for excellence in teaching, the Clinical Teacher of the Year, Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Society honorary membership, the Best Foreign Born Award from the International Institute, The Lifetime Achievement  Award in medicine, community service and philanthropy form the Summit County Medical Society, the Kilway Award from the SCMS and the Making a Difference Award from the Summit County Medical Alliance.

He and Carol were excellent ballroom dancers and shared their passion through giving many dance lessons at the medical school and their home.  He had been a member of the Moslem Islamic Center.  He helped usher at St. Hilary Catholic Church.  He liked to participate in events of the Greek Orthodox Church and was a member of AHEPPA

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Dr. Zouhair Yassine Medical Scholarship, c/o NEOMED, 4209 St. Rt. 44, Rootstown, Ohio 44272 or the Carol Yassine Nursing Scholarship, c/o Dept. of Development, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325-2603. Mass of Christian Burial Monday February 24, 2020 St. Hilary Church, 2750 E. Market Street, Fairlawn, Ohio at 11:30 AM. Interment Rose Hill Burial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends SUNDAY 4:30 – 7:30 PM at BILLOW FAIRLAWN CHAPEL, 85 N. Miller Road, Akron, Ohio (330-867-4141). There will also be visitation at Church Monday February 24, 2020 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Arrangements entrusted to the A. RIPEPI & SONS FUNERAL HOME, (440-260-8800), www.ARipepiandsons.com