Kahtan Nicolas Jabbour

Kahtan was born on August 26, 1934, in Safita, Syria, to the late Nicola Jabbour and Selma Koussa, and was one of eight children. He immigrated to the United States in 1959 in pursuit of education and opportunity. He earned his Master’s degree and his Ph.D. in Structural Mechanics, both at Purdue University—accomplishments he often recalled alongside the memory of renting a small studio apartment near the university for $80 per month. He had a distinguished career in public service, working for four years at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and then over four decades at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), where his engineering expertise left a lasting impact.

In 1974, Kahtan married Ikhlas Bachour, and they had a beautiful marriage together, building a life and home in Bethesda, and raising four children. Kahtan found joy in the simple things: spending time with family and friends, taking long walks, reading the newspaper, and helping his children with their homework. He would often be found around Bethesda—striking up conversations with friends and neighbors, browsing the public library, or visiting the local grocery stores. He held a deep belief in the value of education and maintained a lifelong intellectual curiosity about the world, qualities that he instilled in his children and a legacy that will be carried forward by those who knew him. Kahtan's sense of curiosity and adventure led him on countless memorable journeys, from vacations across Europe and the Middle East, to road trips across the United States, to impromptu trips to DC's museums and monuments. He had a special affection for time spent with his six grandchildren, in whom he took great pride.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Ikhlas; his siblings Gibran, Marie, George, and Nina; and his four children: Salma Jabbour (husband Tony Botros) and their children George, Vivian, and Katie; Mona Jabbour (husband Dan Vazquez) and their daughter Gabriela; Nicholas Jabbour; and Nora Cruz (wife Lauren Cruz) and their sons Quinn and Ellis, whom he lovingly called his “little princes.” Kahtan was predeceased by his parents as well as his siblings Jouhaina, Souad, and Saad.

Kahtan will be remembered as a devoted husband, a caring father, and a proud grandfather. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A memorial service and gathering will be held on Sunday, May 24, 2026, friends and family are welcome at either or both. For more details, please contact [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saints Peter & Paul Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church in Potomac, Maryland.