David Samouha

David Samouha, beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on September 16, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida, at the age of 81. Born on April 1, 1943, in Baghdad, Iraq, David’s life was marked by resilience, dedication, and a deep love for his family.

In 1952, as life for Jews in Iraq became increasingly unsafe, David and his family were forced to move to the newly established Jewish state of Israel for their security. At just 9 years old, he faced the challenges of learning a new language and assimilating into a new culture. David later proudly served in the Israel Defense Forces during the 1960s, including the Six-Day War of 1967.

David’s passion for learning led him to earn a master’s degree in nuclear physics from The Hebrew University in Jerusalem. In 1969, he moved with his wife and their two-year-old daughter to Los Angeles to pursue a PhD in the same field. His career path eventually led him to work as the lead payroll computer programmer for Kaiser Permanente in Southern California, where his expertise and dedication were widely respected.

Known for his sharp sense of humor, David had an extraordinary ability to bring laughter to those around him, making him beloved by family, friends, and colleagues alike. He was a devoted father to his two children, Shiree Sauer (Andrew Sauer) and Aylon Samouha (Jane Rivera), and a proud grandfather to his four grandchildren: Talia, Ariel, Orson, and Rose. His legacy of love, joy, and humor will continue to live on in their hearts.

David was passionate about travel and was a dedicated supporter of children’s charities throughout his life. In honor of his memory, donations can be made to **St. Jude Children's Research Hospital**, a cause he deeply cared about.

David is survived by his former wife, Haidy Samouha, his children, and grandchildren. His memory will be forever cherished by all who knew him.