News Summary
Edward Deeb, a prominent business and community leader in Detroit, has passed away at 89. Known for his advocacy and leadership roles, particularly with the Michigan Food and Beverage Association and Metro Detroit Youth Day, Deeb’s impact on the community is widely recognized. His contributions spanned decades, earning him numerous accolades and a legacy of fostering collaboration among diverse communities.
Detroit – Edward Deeb, a highly regarded business and community leader in Detroit, has died at the age of 89. His family confirmed that he passed away on September 2, 2025, at his home in Bloomfield Township. Deeb’s contributions to Michigan’s community and business landscape have left a lasting impact, particularly through his leadership roles and community advocacy efforts.
Deeb served as the president and CEO of the Michigan Food and Beverage Association and was president of the Eastern Market Merchants Association. He founded, presided over, and chaired the Metro Detroit Youth Day, the largest youth event in Michigan, which was established in 1981. His family remembers him fondly and acknowledged that he meant a great deal to many in the Metro Detroit area.
In recognition of his contributions, Deeb was named one of Detroit News’ Michiganians in 2001, and he was a founding member of the Board of Directors for the Eastern Market Corporation. Katy Trudeau, president of the Eastern Market Board of Directors, highlighted Deeb’s significant contributions to the community, marking his dedication and vision.
Deeb was honored with Ed Deeb Day on September 15, 2012, celebrating his profound impact on Eastern Market. His obituary characterized him as a “tireless patriot, peacemaker, entrepreneur, youth advocate, and philanthropist.” He was a champion for small businesses and played a crucial role in mediating conflicts among businesses, government entities, and ethnic groups, reflecting his commitment to fostering community harmony.
The establishment of Metro Detroit Youth Day arose from tensions between Detroit residents and grocers. His vision for this event took shape following altercations, and Deeb faced the possibility of canceling the initial event when only 1,100 children attended in its first year. However, by the second year, attendance swelled to over 10,000, confirming the event’s significance in demonstrating to youth that they mattered.
In 2018, a street on Belle Isle was named after him, located near the site where Metro Detroit Youth Day takes place. This tribute further solidified his legacy within the community. President George H.W. Bush recognized Deeb with the 477th Point of Light Award for his dedication to youth engagement, among numerous accolades throughout his life. He was also noted by the U.S. Senate Investigations Committee for his work documenting damage to food stores after the 1967 Detroit riots.
Throughout his career, Deeb championed communication and cooperation between Arab and Chaldean store owners and local Black communities, working tirelessly to ease tensions. His leadership and efforts earned him induction into several prestigious Halls of Fame, including the International Heritage Hall of Fame and the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame.
Deeb’s long-term residence in Grosse Pointe Shores, spanning 40 years, showcased his active participation in local communities. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserves, he also took pride in numerous community engagements, particularly with organizations like the Guild at Ascension and United Way.
His daughter, Jennifer Kluge, currently serves as the president and CEO of the National Association for Business Resources and MichBusiness, continuing the family’s legacy of community service and business leadership. Deeb received various honors such as the National Director’s Community Leadership Award from the FBI and the Michigan Businessman of the Year from the American Arab Chamber of Commerce during his lifetime.
Deeb’s lifetime achievements include over 100 local, state, and national awards, reflecting his immense contributions across diverse sectors. He graduated from Michigan State University in 1960, majoring in journalism and advertising, and was an accomplished clarinet player in the marching band.
The funeral for Edward Deeb will be a private family event. However, visitation is scheduled for September 7 from 2-7 p.m. at A.H. Peters Funeral Home in Grosse Pointe Woods, allowing friends and community members to pay their respects.
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Additional Resources
- Detroit Free Press: Edward Deeb Obituary
- Detroit Free Press Image
- Detroit News: Edward Deeb Dies at 89
- CBS News: Michigan Matters
- Dignity Memorial: Edward Deeb Obituary
- Wikipedia: Edward Deeb
- Google Search: Edward Deeb
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DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
