Dr. Younis Al-Kass

Dr. Younis Abdul Massih Abdulahad Al-Kass, M.D., Ph.D., age 94, the ultimate family patriarch went into eternal rest on the morning of Friday, April 29, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Younis is survived by his dear wife of 60 years Jean Al-Kass, his children Dr. Mark Alkass (Dori) of Florida, Dr. Dalya Alkass-Blaise (Oliver) of Binghamton, NY, Dr. Ramzi Alkass (Ali) of Connecticut, and ten grandchildren he adored (Kaitlyn, Connor, Andrew, Natalie, Brian, Alexandra, Nicholas, Andre, Logan and Tyler). Younis is also survived by a sister, Ameera Al-Kass in Baghdad, Iraq, and a great multitude of nieces, nephews, and cousins around the globe he loved dearly. Six of his siblings predeceased him: Hyatt, Jumbad, Mary, Susan, Nawal, and Mumtaz.

Younis was born in Mosul (Nineveh), Iraq on March 21, 1928 to an extremely devout Syrian Orthodox Christian family. He was one of eight children and the first born son of well-known merchant Abdul Massih Abdulahad Al-Kass and Fallam Karomi. As a child Younis attended St.Thomas Christian Orthodox School in Mosul. At age 17 he went to The American University of Beirut in Lebanon, followed by University of Hamburg Medical School in Germany where he earned a Doctor of Medicine and also a Ph.D. in Tropical Medicine. On December 23, 1961 he married Jean Brown, daughter of the late Frederick and Morfydd (Maud) Brown of London, England. When they met in NYC in 1960, he said it was “kismet.” Since childhood he predicted he’d marry a British woman. They married at St. Mark’s Syrian Orthodox Cathedral in Hackensack, N.J.

Younis practiced medicine in Germany, England and the United States (NYC, Philadelphia, Boston, Glens Falls, Castle Point and Pawling). In his career he was a cardiologist, internist, and held various titles including head of the Spinal Cord Unit and Chief of Staff at The Veterans Administration Medical Center in Castle Point, N.Y. for over 30 years. Helping others and curing their ailments was a lifelong passion. He was a well-respected professional in his field. He also delighted in traveling to medical conferences throughout the United States and worldwide, meeting various well-known dignitaries. He thoroughly enjoyed the medical field and his sons Mark and Ramzi followed in their father’s footsteps, also becoming medical doctors. Daughter Dalya earned a Doctor of Philosophy in languages, following her parents' love of language and travel. Younis and Jean instilled a love of education and curiosity in their children.

Younis’ lifelong motto was “never give up.” He spoke five languages, and traveled extensively throughout the Middle East and Europe. In his thirties, he and his brother Mumtaz drove from Germany to Iraq, traveling through many countries. Younis was a friend to all he met and no one was a stranger. He had a true gift of keeping in touch with his many family members and friends worldwide until very recently. He was interested in others and people enjoyed his keen sense of humor and friendliness. He was affectionately known as “Dr. Kass” at the V.A. Medical Center, “jidoo” (grandfather) by his grandchildren, and “amo”/“khalou” (blessed uncle) by in-laws, nieces and nephews. He often gave others nicknames (“Pope,” “03,” “General,” “Pasha,” and others). He loved math, politics, reading, religion, world events, history and had an impeccable and unmatched memory. He had a strong character, an infectious confidence, and his love of family was paramount. Younis had an infinite pride in Jean, his children and their families. Each grandchild was more precious than the next. In retirement he most enjoyed a cup of Earl Grey tea, origami and visiting and with grandchildren. After over forty years in Dutchess County, N.Y., raising three children and enjoying a rewarding career, Younis and his wife Jean relocated to Binghamton, N.Y. to be close to family. He will be missed intensely by family and friends.

The family will receive friends at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 728 River Road, Chenango Bridge on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 from 11:30-12pm with a Funeral Service to follow at 12pm. The service will be co-officiated by the Reverend Dawn-Victoria Mitchell, and Father Joseph Chamoun of St. Mark’s Syriac Orthodox Cathedral (Paramus, N.J.). The burial will be in the Chenango Valley Cemetery. Many thanks to Dr. Zia, nurses and staff of North Tower 2 Neuro Unit, the ER of Wilson Hospital, Reverend Mitchell, Deacon Pierce, Father Dutko, and Father Chamoun. Fly high with the angels Dad! We will meet again!