Dr. Richard Gibran Saleeby

Dr. Richard Gibran Saleeby, M.D. passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on September 24th, 2020. He was born in Goldsboro, NC to the late Gibran Richard Saleeby and Najla Courie Saleeby. Richard was raised in Wilson, NC and graduated from Ben Franklin University in Washington, DC with a major in Accounting. He completed his pre-medical studies at Wake Forest University and graduated with honors from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was stationed in Alaska. After he left the Army, he completed his surgical residency in Columbus, Ohio and served as Chief Surgical Resident during his time at Ohio State University. He was awarded the Gold Medal as the most proficient in clinical surgery. In 1954, he set up his Proctology Practice in Raleigh and practiced until his retirement in 2012 with his beloved wife, Doris, and his nurse, Josie Smith, working by his side all throughout those years.

Richard received an honor in 2007 by The Piedmont Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons for over 50 years of service as President and Secretary-Treasurer. He epitomized the essence of the society to provide education and fellowship among colleagues while blending family values and participation. “The Dr. Richard G. Saleeby, Sr. Fellowship Lecture” was established in his honor as an integral part of future meetings.

He was a devout member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church for over 67 years of which he served and was a co-founder of the Beckwith Chapel.

Richard was the Patriarch of our family. He was a Godly, loving, selfless, humble, and genuine man. His personality radiated on others around him. He lived life to the absolute fullest without losing sight of what was important. Richard put family first, especially his loving wife, Doris, of 65 years. Their relationship is a true love story that we all strive to have in our lives. Together, they raised four wonderful children. He was like a “father” to many others, including his sister Samera’s four sons, who he actively helped raise after the premature passing of their father. The advice he gave was cherished by many, and he was always willing to extend a helping hand. His door was always open and even through the most difficult times, he persevered and kept a positive attitude. His outlook on life was contagious. Richard truly embodied the biblical passage Acts 20:35 “…it is better to give than receive”.

The smile on his face welcomed everyone he was around. He always treated others with kindness and respect. That respect was returned with the unwavering compassion and affection others showered him with. He shaped the lives of many, always teaching the importance of family and helping anyone in need. He was an inspiration to all and his legacy will carry on forever.

Richard took the time to build special, life-long relationships with family, friends, and patients throughout the years. He led by example and instilled many values in others. He never lost sight of what was important in life, especially his faith in God. Family meant everything to him. Richard, Robin and Robb were inseparable, there was rarely a moment he wasn’t with one of them as well as other close family members. He enjoyed going to the beach, playing golf with his grandchildren and watching them play golf competitively. In his spare time, you could find Richard in the kitchen or in the card room. He loved to cook and he found joy in feeding other people, especially his homemade pita bread. He was known as one of the best gin rummy players in the area and he enjoyed the camaraderie of the many friends he played with. He rarely missed a Wednesday night with his “boys” in the card room at North Ridge. There was always a deck of cards on the kitchen table where many competitive gin rummy games were played with anyone who would visit.

Richard will be dearly missed by his loved ones. He is survived by his wife Doris, children, Richard Jr. (Jackie), Robin (Tina), Stephen (Sheri), Richel (Joe), grandchildren, Ashton (Dan), Robb (Alexandra), Alexa (Richard), Stephen II, Sydney (Sammy), Joanna (Brad), Julie (Daniel), and Matney (Aaron). He is also survived by four great-grandchildren, Will, Austin, James, and Samuel. He was known as “Jedu” to his grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Samera Hayhurst, and her three sons as well as many extended family members.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to St. Michael’s Episcopal Church (The Beckwith Chapel) at 1520 Canterbury Rd, Raleigh NC 27608 or another charitable organization of your choice in his honor. Due to present gathering restrictions, there will be a private service held at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church on October 3rd at 2PM.