Dr. Nagui Khouzam

With profound sorrow and deep love, the family of Dr. Nagui Khouzam announces his passing into the eternal embrace of the Lord on Dec 9, 2025. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, physician, and man of unwavering Catholic faith, Dr. Khouzam lived a life marked by humility, integrity, compassion, generosity, and steadfast devotion to God and family.

Born in Egypt in 1927, Dr. Khouzam grew up in Heliopolis, a suburb of Cairo and came of age during a time of significant political and cultural change in the Middle East. Even amid uncertainty, he discovered early his vocation to heal. After rigorous medical training, he graduated in 1954 and soon rose to become Chief of Medical Staff at the government hospital in Port Said. He later established a thriving private practice, caring for people of all backgrounds with exceptional skill, compassion, and dedication.

But Dr. Khouzam’s excellence extended far beyond medical brilliance, it was rooted in a heart of extraordinary kindness. He was known for treating patients who could not afford care, many times accepting farm milk or fresh eggs as payment. His patients loved him, trusted him, and held him in the highest esteem. Many described him as a man whose gentle hands healed their bodies, while his compassion restored their dignity. His generosity was legendary: quiet, sincere, and offered without expectation, without return.

Even decades later, past patients from Egypt and the United States continued to share stories of how Dr. Khouzam healed them, restored their health, and changed their lives for the better, a testament to both his medical skill and his deep humanity.

In Port Said, Dr. Khouzam built a beautiful life with his beloved wife, Désirée Chaker. For over 70 years, they shared a marriage rooted in faith, loyalty, and love, a union that became the solid foundation for generations. Together they raised five children, surrounding them with prayer, discipline, humor, and a fierce commitment to education and family unity. Their daily rosary and trust in Divine Providence shaped their home and remain a testament to their steadfast faith.

Dr. Khouzam’s life was profoundly shaped by major conflicts in the region: the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the Suez Crisis of 1956, and the 1967 Six-Day War. During and after the latter conflicts, he treated countless wounded soldiers who walked miles across the desert to reach safety in Port Said. He served all with dignity and compassion, even as the region’s demographic and political landscape shifted dramatically.

After the Six-Day War, recognizing the challenges facing Christians and seeking a safer future for his young family, Dr. Khouzam and Désirée made the courageous decision to immigrate to the United States. With minimal belongings and immense faith, they journeyed from Egypt passing through Paris, then California, and ultimately across the country as Dr. Khouzam repeated medical exams and surgical residency training, an act of humility few men of his stature would undertake so that no one could ever question his competence, surgical skills or character.

His American surgical training took him from Phoenix to Orlando, and then Detroit, where he completed his residency as Chief Resident at Henry Ford Health System. He later settled in the Orlando area, establishing a respected surgical and family practice known for excellence and compassion in Winter Garden.

A Man Beloved by All: A Legacy of Holiness, Humility, and Love

Those who knew Dr. Khouzam will remember his brilliance and unwavering work ethic, but also his gentle humor and playfulness. His children fondly recall his mischievous wit, such as the unforgettable airport announcement prank and his joyful spirit even during difficult times.

To his nieces and nephews, he was “Oncle Nagui,” a man of:

• extreme kindness

• extreme generosity

• extreme endurance

• and above all, extreme love

They describe him as “a true man of God… genuinely kind, generous, inspiring… a beautiful soul… a holy man with the greatest of hearts… an unforgettable person.”

One wrote, “I learned so much from him.”

Another shared, “He remains for me a model of humility, despite his genius and brilliant success, Oncle Nagui always reflected the image of God.”

Many expressed that he will always hold “a very special place in my heart.”

He lived what he believed: to love God, to love others, and to serve with humility. He reflected Jesus in every action: quietly, faithfully, consistently. All adored him. All respected him. All were better for having known him.

Above all, Dr. Khouzam was a man of deep faith. His life was anchored in prayer, devotion to the Blessed Mother, and constant confidence in God’s promise that “all things work for good for those who love Him.” This faith sustained him through war, immigration, adversities, trials, sacrifice, and old age. It is this same faith that now comforts his family as they entrust his soul to God’s mercy.

Dr. Nagui Khouzam is survived by immediate family including his beloved wife of over 70 years, Désirée Chaker Khouzam; his loving children: Dr. Névine Khouzam Snyder (John), Dr. Nadine Khouzam Skelton (Bill), Judge Nelly Khouzam (Morris Silberman), Dr. Nayer Khouzam (Darlene), and Nermine Khouzam Rubin (Leslie); his devoted brother, Dr. Nadim Khouzam (Nora); and twelve cherished grandchildren: Christopher, Paul, James, Michelle, Joseph, Gabrielle, Natalie, Lauren, Matthew, Jonathan, Samantha, and Nathan.

Funeral Mass at Resurrection Catholic Church, Winter Garden, FL

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

10:30 AM – Visitation with closed casket at the church

11:00 AM – Funeral Mass at Resurrection Catholic Church,

1211 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787

Following the Funeral Mass, a 15-minute service will take place at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home located at:

400 Woodlawn Cemetery Rd., Orlando, FL 34734, including:

• Blessing of the ground

• Blessing of the casket

• Placement of the casket into the mausoleum

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Water 4 Mercy, the humanitarian organization founded by his youngest daughter Nermine, honoring Dr. Khouzam’s lifelong values of compassion, service, and human dignity.

Dr. Khouzam’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he healed as a physician, the family he raised with devotion and strength, and the generations inspired by his faith, holiness, humility, and extraordinary love.

May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Memorial Campaign Link: https://bit.ly/water4mercy