Issa Peters

Issa Peters, 88, of Marina, California, passed on April 12th, 2023.

Issa was born in Al-Mishtaya, Syria, son of George and Nafi Boutros (Peters). He graduated from the University of Damascus and moved to the United States in 1958 to attend Michigan State University. Issa also attended University of Kentucky and earned a Ph. D. from Columbia University in Middle Eastern Studies. When first coming to the United States, he was welcomed warmly by the Syrian communities of Allentown and Wilkes-Barre, PA. He met Priscilla Hauch at the University of Kentucky in 1962, the two were married in 1965, and had a son, George in 1972.

In the early 1970s, Issa taught Arabic at the Defense Language Institute (DLI) in Washington D.C, and later in Monterey, CA. Issa developed a deep affection for the Monterey Bay Area he would cherish the rest of his life.

He moved to Glendale, Arizona in 1976 and was an Arabic professor at the American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird). He became a nationally recognized Arabic scholar, teaching for over 20 years and retiring in 1998. Following, he became an Arabic interpreter for the Maricopa County Superior Court in downtown Phoenix. He also began a new chapter in his personal life after he and Priscilla went separate ways.

Issa returned to Syria, and became fondly acquainted with Ghada Elias, they fell in love, and were married at St. George's Monastery in Al-Mishtaya, Syria in 2003. Relocating to the Monterey Bay Area, he resumed his teaching career at the DLI, and the couple became beloved members of the community, making many dear friends. They dedicated themselves to assisting family members and other Syrians who had immigrated to the United States, much as others had aided Issa upon his arrival.

Issa was a wonderful and proud father to George, and in 2005 and 2010, Issa experienced the joy of becoming a grandfather, or "jiddo," to Luke and later, twin boys, Ryan and Gavin. He took immense pride in this role and was deeply loved by his grandchildren. His son, daughter in law, and three grandsons were regular visitors with Issa and Ghada in Marina, CA.

Retiring from the DLI in 2014, Issa was highly regarded by colleagues and students. During his final years, Issa enjoyed a life filled with laughter and happiness, surrounded by his family, friends, and loving wife Ghada.

Issa was always concerned with the well-being of others, and despite his accomplishments, his humble nature, kind voice, devotion, humor, and open heart make him an ever-shining light.

He will be forever missed, and may his legacy continue to inspire and guide us, until we meet again.

Survived by his wife, Ghada Peters, Marina, CA, son, George and wife, Janie Peters, and grandsons, Luke, Ryan and Gavin Peters, all of Peoria, AZ, and sister Samira Boutros, Al-Mishtaya, Syria,

Services will be held on Friday, April 21st at St. Seraphim Russian Orthodox Church, 1159 Canyon Del Rey Blvd., Seaside, California, 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Orthodox Church of the Redeemer, 380 Magdelena Ave., orthodoxredeemer.org. In the memo, please write, "in memory of Issa Peters."