Jamal Hanania

He was born in Ramallah, Palestine in 1931 to Yacoub and Nazha Hanania and was one of seven children. He was predeceased by his sister, Farida Salem, and his brothers Isa, Mousa, George and Farid Hanania. He is survived by his sister, Mary Bateh.

He met and married the love of his life, Naeemeh, in their hometown of Ramallah. Together, they moved to Kuwait where Jamal worked as a draft surveyor. They later immigrated to the United States in 1967, along with four of their five children. They initially settled in Buffalo, New York where they had one more child. Finally permanently settling in Jacksonville, he became a small business owner. He owned and operated a grocery store and later, successful sandwich shops/delis in Jacksonville. He finally hung up his apron and retired at age 82.

He and his wife, Naeemeh were married for 68 years. They were deeply devoted to each other and rarely apart, spending only a handful of days away from each other. Together, they reared and educated their five children, Nadia, Susan, Waffa, Ghassan and Gloria. He was a wonderful father, always so proud of his children and their accomplishments and never ended a conversation with them without telling them he loved them.

He was a founding and faithful member of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Jacksonville, Florida. He was an active member who served on the Parish Council and attended services every Sunday until he was physically unable to do so. He also served his community as a member of the Ramallah-American Club of Jacksonville where he was a board member and an active member for many decades.

Visitation will be held at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church at 6300 Bowden Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32216 on Thursday, August 8th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a service to follow. Archpriest Dr. Father Kamal Alrahil will officiate funeral services on Friday, August 9th at 10:00 a.m. at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church.