Rouben Sami. age 97, of Winter Park, passed away on Thursday, January 24, 2019, at Westminster Towers - Winter Park. A native of New York, he was born on August 15, 1921, to the late Samuel and Regina Bivas Sami. A college graduate, he was a civil engineer prior to being inducted into the US Army at Camp Huckstep in Egypt. During his military career, he became one of world famous Monument Men who repatriated hundreds of pieces of artwork stolen by the Nazis. He was the last surviving member of the team. Following his separation from the Army, he returned to the States and married the former Lena (Lee) Benmayor, who was the love of his life until her passing in March, 2016. While living and working in New York, the family grew to four, with the birth of their daughter, Renee, and later their son, Steven. The family relocated to Ormond Beach, FL, where Rouben went into business on his own, later moving to the Orlando area becoming members of Temple Israel. He is survived by his son, Steven, and daughter, Renee, and great-grandson Antonio; his brother Jack and sister, Betty. In addition to his wife and parents, Rouben was predeceased by his brother, David, and granddaughter, Liza.

Funeral services and interment were held at Temple Israel Cemetery with Rabbi Joshua Neely officiating.