Albert Joseph Karam

Albert Joseph Karam, age 75, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2021, following his long battle against a degenerative lung disease (IPF). He was surrounded by his devoted wife of 52 years, Nancy, and his loving sons, Morris and Mitchell. Born in San Antonio, Al (also known as Bubba) was the oldest child of Morris and Margaret Karam and the grandson of Lebanese immigrants.

Preceded in death by his loving parents, Al is survived by his spouse, Nancy B. Ussery, their two sons and spouses - Morris and Veronica, and Mitchell and Erin - and his grandchildren, George, Mary, Peter and Thomas. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters and their spouses: Daniel and Suzanne Karam, Gerald and Sandi Karam, Marcella and Richard Davies, and Linda and Art Chavez plus numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Als colorful, adventurous, and accomplished life began as part of the large Lebanese community centered around St. George Maronite Catholic Church. After finishing St. Pauls Catholic School, he attended St. Johns Seminary for two years, before graduating from Central Catholic High School in 1963, where he made the Texas All-State football team his senior year.

Upon graduation, Al left San Antonio on a train bound for The University of Notre Dame. He participated in their storied football program during his first year and would ultimately obtain his B.S. in mathematics in 1967. His love and loyalty to Notre Dame resulted in a lifelong commitment to the Universitys educational, sports, and alumni association programs. He could not have been prouder to have both sons also graduate from Notre Dame. Al continued his mathematics education at the University of Delaware where he met his lifelong love and best friend, Nancy, who was also pursuing a graduate degree in mathematics. There he earned his Masters degree and eventually his Ph.D. in 1971.

His adventurous spirit would take him next to Merida, Venezuela where he joined the Science faculty of Universidad de Los Andes, teaching basic and graduate-level mathematics. During their two and a half years in Merida, Al and Nancy became fluent in Spanish, and their love of travel flourished as they toured many cities throughout South America.

Returning to San Antonio in 1974, Al accepted a position with IBM as a Systems Engineer and later sold computer hardware. He ended his IT career at USAA, working in computer systems architecture. After his retirement in 2001, he returned to his first love, teaching, and became an Adjunct Professor at Northwest Vista College before making his final professional move as Adjunct Professor of Mathematics at UTSA.

Al and Nancy were enthusiastic travelers whose adventures increased after Als 2005 retirement. They took frequent golfing vacations with Nancys sister and brother-in-law, Marianna and Larry Harvin. Internationally they visited twenty-six countries, often with their favorite travel companions and cousins, Al and Kathy Andry. They were determined to live life to the fullest while learning about other cultures, customs, and most importantly, food and wine. In 2018 Al and Nancy had the opportunity to travel with family and other St. George parishioners on a pilgrimage to Lebanon with their pastor, Fr. Charles Khachan. Als most precious memory was visiting the two villages of his grandparents and meeting some of the remaining Karam and Andry family members.

In addition to a life-long love of travel and learning, Al enjoyed music, playing the piano until the last year of his life. Other favorite pastimes included reading, Notre Dame football, golf, coaching youth sports, and most importantly, spending time with his four grandchildren, whom he adored with all his heart. Family was his passion. It was his whole life.

Al was devoted to his Maronite Catholic faith and happily gave his time and talents to St. George. As he learned from his parents, and alongside his wife, he could often be found participating in any and all activities to support his Church. Because of these efforts, Al and Nancy received the Silver Massabki Award in 2012, a national recognition for outstanding service to the Maronite Faith. In 2017, Al and Nancy also received the Lumen Gentium Award, presented by Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, for their generous service and participation in the Catholic Churchs mission to bring Christs light to all.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to Jessica Gonzalez of Home Instead for her many months of devoted care, compassion, and companionship as well as to the nurses, social workers, and chaplains from Encompass Hospice who comforted Al in his final months.

Visitation will begin at 9:30 am on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, followed by a Rosary and Memorial Mass at St. George Maronite Catholic Church, 6070 Babcock Road, San Antonio. Inurnment will follow at Mission Burial Park North, 20900 IH 10 West, San Antonio. Father Charles Khachan will officiate. Pallbearers will be Daniel Karam, Jr., Andrew Karam, Matthew Karam, Leon Mimari, Damon Karam, Vincent Karam, George Karam, and James Andry. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. George Maronite Catholic Church Scholarship Fund or to St. Jude Childrens Hospital. The family welcomes thoughts, prayers, and memories of Al to be shared on the guestbook at www.porterloring.com.