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Sami, “The Barber” Ziada, 91 years young, passed away peacefully at the home of his daughter and son-in-law Adele and Anthony (Porky) Gaudino on April 11, 2026. Well known in West Haven, often referred to as “Sami from Miami”, he made friends wherever he went. He devoted 70 years to his profession, tending to generations of locals many of whom remember receiving their first haircut from Sal’s Barber Shop. Born in Ramallah, Palestine, Sami came to the United States, settling in West Haven in the 1950’s where he immersed himself in the city. He was involved in many civic activities and was often the first one to lend a hand when needed.
In addition to Adele and Porky, Sami’s family includes his two granddaughters Samira and Zienna Ziada, of whom he was most proud, Porky’s son Anthony Gaudino, his late wife Samira Dabai Ziada and late son John (Johnny Z.) Ziada.
Visitation will take place on Thursday April 16 from 3 to 7 pm at the West Haven Funeral Home. To leave an online message for the Ziada family, please visit our website, www.westhavenfuneral.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sami Ziada, please visit our floral store.