On the morning of the 7 April 1889, Youssef Bey Karam died near Naples, Italy. His last words were "God ... Lebanon". The Italian hosts place a placard on his grave that reads: ""this is the resting place of the Youssef Boutros Karam, the Lebanese Prince"." Even though, he was never officially a prince, this title was bestowed upon him affectionately due to his stature, behavior, and moral values. The news of his death overwhelmed Lebanon in general and Zgharta and the north in particular with grief.