Sami A. Bati

On August 3, 2024, Sami Bati returned to Source, reunited with God, and is now flying free throughout the universe.

Sami was no ordinary person. Born in Turkey and raised in Syria, Sami studied medicine in Russia where he became an ophthalmologist. He set up his practice in Damascus, Syria, where he was known throughout the land as the doctor who could help the blind to see.

Eventually, Sami’s journeys brought him to the United States. Although he enjoyed his medical work, Sami realized his heart was in holistic medicine and obtained his Masters in Acupuncture. He combined his expansive knowledge of Western medicine with Traditional Chinese Medicine and brought tremendous healing to his patients.

Another one of Sami’s talents was learning the classical guitar at the age of 12. Eventually, he went on to win the title of International Laureate in Russia for his outstanding performances.  His love of guitar took him to Spain twice where he studied with well-renown flamenco guitarists.

Sami loved animals and nature. One funny story about Sami was that he loved to feed watermelon seeds to chipmunks. One day, his wife, Caterina asked Sami, “Did you feed the animals today?” Sami’s reply, which is such a fantastic representation of his philosophy regarding nature was, “They’re not animals. They are my friends.”

Sami’s philosophy about life is to be kind to everyone. No matter what happened, he always smiled and had kind words for everyone. Instead of talking about himself, Sami always asked questions of the person with whom he was talking. Even in his last days on earth, Sami always asked the hospital or hospice personnel how they were doing before they even had the chance to ask him how he was feeling that day.

Sami was also a passionate cook. He loved to make the most tremendous meals and enjoyed sharing them with friends and family. He also gave whatever he could to anyone who was in need.

The happiest moments of Sami’s life included becoming a citizen of the United States, entering into marriage with Caterina, and moving to Bluffton, South Carolina.

Sami and his wife, Caterina, loved to travel. They enjoyed delicious international cuisine and immersed themselves into the culture of each land they visited.

Sami’s family includes his wife, Caterina; his brother, Michel Bati and his wife, Diane; his sister, Laila Bati Marawi; his sister, Lina Siouffey and her husband, Roger; his step-children, Joseph, Vincent, and Sofia; his nieces and nephews, Daniel, Tony, Larah, Marissa, Amanda, Yousef, Fadi, and Meray; his great-nieces and great-nephews, Julian, Jude, Joelle, Chantal, George, and Tristan.

Sami is now reunited with his beloved brother Nabil, his sister-in-law Samia, and his parents, Abdoh and Mariam Bati.

Services will be held at St. Gregory the Great, 31, St. Gregory Drive, Bluffton, SC on Friday, August 16, 2024 at 10:30AM.

A Celebration of Life will also be held in Syracuse, New York, on August 25, 2024, at St. Elias Orthodox Church, 4988 Onondaga Road, Syracuse, NY.

Instead of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Backpack Buddies, which helps to eliminate chronic childhood hunger. Donations may be sent to Backpack Buddies of Bluffton and Hardeeville, 198 Okatie Village Drive, Suite 103-115, Okatie, SC 29909. You may also contact Sue Kroupa at 843-505-0636.