Ayad Boctor Elgohary

–John 11:25

With hope in the Resurrection and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and with deep love and heavy hearts, we announce the departure of our beloved, Ayad Elgohary, who reposed to the Paradise of Joy on February 15, 2026, at the age of 93.

Born as one of nine children, he was the beloved middle child, with four older and four younger siblings. From a young age, he lived a life of selflessness and responsibility, ensuring that each of his siblings was settled and cared for before pursuing his own dream of starting a family at the age of 32.

On July 4, 1969, he immigrated to the United States, where he began a life marked by hard work, faith, and perseverance with his beautiful bride and 2 very young girls, Nivin and Marlene, both under the age of 2. A successful engineer, he built a distinguished career that took him from New York to Philadelphia, where his son, Anthony was born. To Virginia where he worked for the U.S. Navy as a civilian. His dedication and expertise eventually led him to serve overseas with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he spent seven years with the Department of Defense. Because of his amazing perseverance and dedication to succeed, he provided his family the opportunity to travel the world and experience a life many only dream of, making amazing memories together as a loving family of 5.

Blessed to come from a family deeply rooted in the Coptic Orthodox faith, as a descendent of the righteous Ibrahim El-Gohary, he was a vigilant servant of the Lord from a young age. He began his service in Sunday School in Egypt. He also worked alongside his father to physically build churches in Egypt, offering his time, strength, and talents for the glory of God. In the United States, he became a founding member of many Coptic Orthodox churches along the East Coast during the 1970s and 1980s, continuing his lifelong commitment to building and serving the Church.

He lived a life of quiet generosity, always offering to those in need with a humble and giving heart. Whether through acts of charity, support, or encouragement, he sought to serve Christ in others especially the poor and the needy, without seeking recognition. His life was a true reflection of Christ’s love in action.

He was a man of prayer, constantly lifting his heart to God. His faith was not only something he spoke about, but something he lived daily, trusting in God through every moment of life.

He was a selfless and honest man who loved his family deeply and remained grateful for every blessing in his life. Known for his wisdom, whenever he spoke, others would listen intently, knowing his words carried lessons shaped by a lifetime of faith, experience, and humility.

Together with his beloved wife, he built a life centered on faith, love, and family. Their bond was one of deep devotion, and after a short time of separation, they are now reunited in the presence of Christ.

He is survived by his children, the pride of his heart; Nivin Elgohary (husband Mark), Marlene Ward (husband Mick) & Dr. Anthony Elgohary (wife Dr. Dina); and cherished seven grandchildren who were the joy of his life, Andrew (wife Miraie), David (wife Kayla), Christina, Alexandra, Gina, Jacob & Joshua and a great granddaughter due this spring; who will forever cherish his memory and be blessed by his love and guidance.

The Funeral Prayer of the Coptic Orthodox Church will be offered at St. George’s Coptic Orthodox Church on February 23, 2026, starting at 10:30am. Entombment will follow the service at Hampton Memorial Gardens, 155 Butler Farm Rd. Hampton, VA at 1:00pm. Friends and family are invited to join as we honor and celebrate his remarkable life.

Forever in our hearts, may he rest in peace.

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” – Philippians 1:21

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. George’s Coptic Orthodox Church of Hampton, VA (https://stgeorgehamptonva.org/).