Said M. Saleh, a man whose life was marked by industriousness, generosity, and a profound love for both his work and the land, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2023 at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy cherished by all who knew him.
Born in Egypt on August 19,1940, Said was steeped in the traditions of craftsmanship from an early age, as his family owned a furniture making factory. His passion for woodworking and dedication to quality craftsmanship would become defining traits throughout his life.
In pursuit of new horizons, Said embarked on a journey that led him to the United States. Settling initially in the Mansfield area, he later found himself drawn to the vibrant energy of San Francisco. However, following the devastating earthquake of 1989, Said returned to Mansfield and settled with his first wife Alice Phalor.
It was in Mansfield that Said found his niche in the sawmill industry, where he played an instrumental role in exporting wood to Egypt for flooring and furniture. His expertise and work ethic earned him respect and admiration from colleagues and clients alike.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Said was deeply connected to the land and found solace in the beauty of nature. He reveled in the simple joys of working the farm, cultivating its bounty, and breathing life into the old farmhouse through his meticulous renovations.
Notably, Said’s contributions extended beyond the borders of Mansfield. He played a vital role in supplying wood for numerous ports along the upper Nile River in NagaaHammadi, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape and the communities he served.
Said and Pavla had a story long before on January 7, 2004 when Said married Pavla Navratilova and this brought their story full circle. Many years before, the couple had met when they were young in Cairo, Egypt. After their time together, they each went their own separate ways and lived separate lives for 32 years. An acquaintance of Said, who was from Prague, took the time to call all the other Pavla Navratilova’s that he could until he was able to finally get the right one and reconnect the two. The rest of the story is history.
Above all, Said Saleh will be remembered for his unwavering kindness, his passion for his craft, and his deep appreciation for the world around him. His legacy lives on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him.
Said’s family will receive friends Tuesday, May 7, 2024 from 2-3 pm in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home where a memorial service honoring his life will begin immediately at 3 p.m. He will be laid to rest at Mansfield Memorial Park.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Said’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence to them at SnyderFuneralHomes.com
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Home Lexington Avenue Chapel
Website: SnyderFuneralHomes.com