Moses Hassan Mahdee

Obituary For Moses Hassan Mahdee

Moses Hassan Mahdee, formerly known as Lee Johnson Jr., 82, departed this life on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky, Ohio. Moses was born on February 11,1944, in Youngstown, Ohio, the union of Moses Lee Johnson Sr. and Florence Cabrero Johnson.

Moses attended South High School and upon graduation, enlisted in the United States Army. With valor, he defended our country as a HALO jumper, proudly serving during the Vietnam War. His bravery and dedication to service remained a beacon of inspiration for those who knew him.

Upon his honorable discharge, he returned home and married Itlean Pittman in 1972, whom he spent 52 years with. During that time, Moses began working at General Motors as a lineman. A fierce protector and provider of his family, employment at GM afforded him the opportunity to meet these needs.

However, Moses believed in and practiced self-empowerment and self-sufficiency which fueled his drive and passion as an entrepreneur. Moses opened the area’s widely known His & Hers Barber Shop. He created not just hairstyles, but connections and camaraderie within the community that cherished him. His space was a platform to share messages to empower others. His successful ventures also included owning and operating a laundromat.

Moses was deeply committed to the youth and residents of Youngstown. His recreational arcade game room on the Southside of Youngstown made him a familiar and respected figure throughout the community.

Moses had a strong conviction to creating safe and positive opportunities for young people. This ignited his passion to organize and produce the All-City Variety Shows, giving youth throughout the city a platform to showcase their talents.

Moses was an avid supporter of Youngstown City Schools District and maintained a frequent presence at the board meetings, advocating for the students of the District whenever warranted.

Moses was also contributing writer and circulation manager for the Buckeye Review newspaper. He offered provocative thoughts and prolific commentary regarding how the African American community should respond to the challenges and opportunities of the day.

Community minded, Moses faithfully served as a member of the Neighborhood Block Watch. Known for his hardworking and ambitious spirit, Moses was skilled handyman who took great pride in maintaining and improving homes.

Moses's legacy will forever resonate through his cherished children Moses (Gabriela) Mahdee, Nakeyma (Cherry) Mahdee, Seleana Mahdee and Shariyah Mahdee; sister, Loretta Tutwiler; sisters-in-law, Deborah Johnson and Kim Johnson, along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. The love and values he instilled in those he embraced will continue to echo through generations, a testament to a life well-lived and deeply felt.

Moses was preceded in death by his parents; daughters, Andrea Johnson, Stephanie Johnson, and Angel Mahdee; siblings, Fred Johnson, Cortez Johnson, Vincent Johnson, Gregory Johnson, and Elaine Simms; and grandsons, Parris Ladson, Aaron Mahdee, and Troy Mahdee.

Moses will be remembered not just for his years but for the moments he shared, the lives he touched, and the love he gave so selflessly. Though he has transitioned from this earthly realm, his impact will continue.

A memorial service, with military honors, will celebrate Moses's life and service on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 12:45 PM at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Rd., in Rittman/Seville, Ohio. His journey will culminate in a special ceremony that will embrace the essence of who he was—loving, dedicated, and ever-present.

At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of Moses Hassan Mahdee, elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio, 330.782.8500

Send flowers to the service of Moses Hassan Mahdee