Sami "Amir Naoum" Chehade was born in Beirut, Lebanon. He immigrated with friends to the US in 1977, first living in Jersey City, then moving to Brooklyn. He worked to bring his parents and siblings to the US. He became a renowned percussionist in the NY/NJ Middle Eastern music scene, playing some of the world's famous venues, Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. He was featured on several albums, including a few of his own + instructional drumming videos.

He met his wife, Linda Loalbo, in 1979, where they resided in Brooklyn, NY before moving to North Plainfield, NJ, and then to Green Brook, NJ, where he resided the rest of his days.  They purchased and run his father in law's eatery, Guido's Luncheonette, from 1986 to 1996. He then worked in corporate kitchens as a chef/cook until retirement.

His greatest loves were his family, music, gardening herbs and vegetables while battling goundhogs, and being Jiddo to his granddaughter, Stella.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years Linda (nee Loalbo), daughter Jennifer Fusco and her husband Ernie, son Tony Chehade, his wife Vicky and their daughter Stella Marie, brother Mounir and wife Maha, brother Nabil and wife Miriam, sister Pauline, sister Mary and husband Camil, plus many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents and his brothers George, Pierre, and Aboud.

Amir's music can be found on Spotify and YouTube under Amir Naoum Chehade.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Kidney Fund or the American Diabetes Association.