Nadim Said Ajlouny

It is with profound sadness that the Ajlouny family announces the peaceful passing of Nadim Said Ajlouny on the morning of June 7. He was surrounded by his loved ones who laughed, cried and told stories of his life. Nadim was a man of rare qualities – loving, generous, kind and compassionate, a true pillar of wisdom to those who knew him.

Born in Ramallah, Palestine, on July 10, 1933, Nadim immigrated to the United States in 1948 as a 14 year old boy where he was reunited with his father after a 10 year separation. He made the ocean voyage as the man of the family, caring for his mother and sisters on the long, cold journey.

With this newfound grit, Nadim pursued his academic goals at St. Theresa High School in Detroit, where he discovered his passion for engineering. With his razor-sharp mind and a heart full of ambition, he went on to earn a BS from the University of Detroit and an MBA from Wayne State. As an engineer at Bendix Corporation in Southfield, Michigan, Nadim worked tirelessly to develop navigation satellites that would later land on the moon with Apollo 11, earning him a place in history and a legacy that would make his children proud.

But it was not just his academic and engineering accomplishments that defined Nadim, for he was a man of many facets. He was a successful real estate investor, a founder and former President of the American Federation of Ramallah Palestine, and a natural and well-respected leader who inspired everyone he met. He was a mentor to many, and his generosity has benefited thousands in Ramallah and here in the United States. Nadim was also a member of the St. Mary Orthodox Basilica in Livonia, where he found solace, peace, and spiritual rejuvenation.

Nadim's love for life was matched only by his love for his family, and he cherished every moment spent with them. He was a frequent traveler and often ventured to California to visit his loved ones there. Nadim is survived by his beloved wife, Rima, his son James Ajlouny, his daughters Rhonda (George) Kreitem, Doris (Gary) Jonna, and Cheryl (Mark) diTargiani, and his grandchildren, Alysia (Andrew) Kreitem Shinohara, Phillip (Vanessa) Ajlouny, Jennifer (Matt) Ajlouny Boji, James Ajlouny, Jr., James (Molly) Jonna, Steven Jonna, Marisa (Andrew) Jonna Sadan, Emily Shaheen, Elena Shaheen, Jake diTargiani, and Ryder diTargiani, and nine great grandchildren, his brother Joseph (Samira+) Ajlouny,his sister Najla (George+) Milhim, his sister Ann (Issa+) Ajlouni, his brother Edward (Nelly) Ajlouny, who will cherish his memory forever. He was preceded in death by his dear sister Miriam+ (Mousa+) Kharsa and his beloved daughter Carleen+ (Emile) Shaheen.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, June 13, at St. Mary's Orthodox Basilica in Livonia from 6-8 pm. A solemn prayer will be held at 7:30 pm. The funeral service will be held at St. Mary's Orthodox Basilica on Wednesday, June 14 from 11am-12pm. A mercy meal will immediately follow at the cultural center at noon, when Nadim's family and friends will come together to honor his memory and celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Nadim's memory may be made to Ramallah Federation, 27484 Ann Arbor Trail, Westland, Michigan 48185 US, https://afrp.org/product-category/donations/; and St Mary Orthodox Basilica, 18200 Merriman Rd, Livonia, Michigan 48152 US, https://stmarylivonia.com/donate/.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HarryjWillLivonia.com for the Ajlouny family.