Dr. Philip Khairallah

Dr. Philip Khairallah, 90, of Scottsdale, Arizona and formally from Newbury, Ohio passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his daughters and his friend, on Saturday, November 24, 2018. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he was the son of Amin and Laurice Khairallah. His family moved to Beirut Lebanon when he was 3 years old and he grew up there. He has worn many hats over his 90 years of life. He was the oldest of 3 brothers. While in Lebanon, he attended the American University of Beirut (AUB) and graduated as a doctor in 1951. Dr. Philip returned to the United States and started a job at the Cleveland Clinic. There he got married in 1963, and started a family. Dr. Philip led a career in medical research. His specialty was cardiology, specifically with high blood pressure. In 1972, his team at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Medicine for their work on Angiotensin. Dr. Philip worked at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation as the head of Research Department until his retirement.

Dr. Philip also entered the US Navy in the medical corps during the Korean conflict and after the war was over, Dr. Philip joined the Reserves and proudly served in that capacity until he retired with the rank of Captain. Dr. Philip also started teaching medical classes at John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio.

Dr. Philip then attended seminary and was ordained to the priesthood in the Melkite Greek-Catholic Church in 1973. He was the first married priest to serve in the United States. He was a doctor and a priest now. In 1998, he got divorced and moved to Arizona with his friend. He is survived by his children, his daughter and son-in-law, Mona and Douglas Lieblich of Burton, Ohio; and his daughter and son-in-law, Tania and Frank Ianni of Parma Heights, Ohio: his son and daughter-in-law Marc and Colleen Khairallah of Garrettsville,Ohio; his son and daughter-in-law Greg and Jennifer Khairallah of Seattle, Washington and Margaret Khairallah. He was also known as Jiddu (grandfather) to Alexandra, Elena, Ryan, Justin, Jonathan, Matthew, Michael, Kellan and Ella. He proceeded in death by his parents, and siblings Edward, George and Victoria.

In Lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to the American Heart Association.