Athens 03/16/1933 - 08/27/2021

Ismail Ghazalah, 88, passed away peacefully at his home in Athens on Aug. 27, 2021. Ismail is survived by Barbara, his beloved wife of 63 years. Also surviving are his brother-in-law Narayan, his niece, nephews and their children and grandchildren, and many other caregivers, each of whom has been a loving resource for the family throughout his illness.

Ismail was born in Lebanon and moved to the United States in the late-1950s to pursue his graduate studies in economics. He studied with Professor George Break at the University of California Berkeley and received his PhD in economics in 1969. He met Barbara while he was at Berkeley, and they got married in 1958. While Ismail was completing his dissertation, he taught at the University of Glasgow in Scotland and he and Barbara had many wonderful memories of this time. They also had memorable experiences while Ismail worked for Aramco in Saudi Arabia.

Ismail joined the Department of Economics at Ohio University in 1969. His research centered on policy issues, including funded research about educational policy from the state. His students, undergraduate and graduate, enjoyed his public finance classes. Of particular enjoyment were honors tutorial students and he was director of the honors tutorial program for more than two decades. He also served as director of the master's in economics program and made lasting friendships with many students. Ismail also served as chair of the department for several periods of time.

Ismail was a Rotarian for a long time and became involved in many service projects. He served twice as the president of the Athens Rotary Club and was also a multiple Paul Harris Fellow.

Traveling throughout the world and collecting antiques was an important part of his life. He had a fine appreciation for cuisine from all over the world and, through the years, he and Barbara enjoyed cooking and entertaining many friends, colleagues, and students at their home. In his spare time, he also enjoyed reading Kahlil Gibran's poetry.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hughes-Moquin Funeral Home where cremation will take place. A memorial service will be held at a future date but not immediately due to Covid concerns. Friends and family are welcomed to send a sympathy card or sign the online guestbook at:

www.hughesmoquinfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Ismail Ghazalah scholarship fund held by the Ohio University Foundation. Ismail Ghazalah

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Athens Messenger on Aug. 30, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Ismail Ghazalah

Sponsored by Hughes Funeral Home (Hughes-Moquin) - Athens.

9 Entries

Brenda Pennington Whitt

September 9, 2021

So sorry for your loss, Mrs Ghazalah. Prayers for your family. Hugs from the Pennington family. You taught several of us and were a beloved teacher. There are no words. Thinking of you. Brenda

Rajindar & Manjulika Koshal

September 3, 2021

Barbara and Ismail Ghazalah came to Athens in 1969. Ismail joined Department of Economics where Raj Koshal already was there since 1965. Manju joined Raj in Athens in February 1968. Ghazalahs rented a house very near to the Koshals. Very quickly all four became good friends. Ismail liked the department colleagues too. Soon Barbara and Ismail became part of Athens. Barbara and Manju used to meet often for tea as none of them were working that time. Both Ismail and Barbara were interested to learn more about Indian customs, culture, and food. Both Barbara and Ismail were very hospitable, and they always were ready to entertain people. Ismail had a keen desire to visit India with us but unfortunately later with failing health, the trip never materialized.
We have golden memories of our get togethers-dinners and lunches and even taking trips to far-away places. Two trips that stand out in our mind were the fascinating Cruise to Alaska and a road trip to the beautiful Canadian Rockies. One of the other memorable trips was when we attended and presented papers in the Annual Meeting of the Allied Social Sciences meeting. On our return journey, we were driving in our brand new Mercedez Benz car in the snowy, slippery, and bumpy roads that became a rough journey. We got caught suddenly in heavy snow. We were driving from Washington D.C. to Athens. It was a scary evening but our live company of four, made the journey smooth and memorable.
After our retirements we joined A Birthday Club that few of the spouses had formed as they were retired earlier than us. Altogether we were eight people and on every one's birthday we exchanged cards, had homemade potluck dinners and a good time. This lasted for ten years. Another Club was also formed to meet more often that would help Ismail to socialize more. For this we used to meet in various restaurants. We will miss Ismail's smiling face and his absence. But the golden memories he leaves behind, will brighten the vacuum left by him. So, our story is a story of Fifty years of Friendship and who can forget it? We would like to end with a quote,” When the loss of a friend, becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.” We pray to the Almighty to give peace to the departed soul in heaven. Rest in peace our friend.
Fondly, Raj & Manju Koshal.

David Horr

August 31, 2021

Dear Barbara,
My wife, Beverly Heasley, and I were saddened to learn of Ismail's passing. You have our deep sympathy in your loss. We were students in OU's EMBA program, graduating in 1992. Ismail was our favorite professor. We enjoyed meeting with him Saturday mornings in class at Lancaster. We also remember fondly the delightful dinner the two of you shared with our class at your home in Athens. He will be missed.

PAUL SULLIVAN

August 31, 2021

We will remember all the good food, good wine and good cheer we shared with you and Barbara over many years in the gourmet and wine groups. Paul & Jeanette

Steve Holtel

August 31, 2021

Dr Ghazalah was a wonderful teacher and invited his class into him home and had a tradition of serving fish to his students. Great person and great memories.

Charlene Clifford

August 30, 2021

I am so sorry to hear this. I was Dr. Ghazalah's secretary for several years back in the late 70's. He was a wonderful Chairman and boss. I have often thought of him and wondered if he was still in town. I'm sorry for you Barbara. Charlene Clifford

Marie Smith

August 29, 2021

Ismail was a giant Teddy Bear, one who would greet me with smothering hugs. But he was so much more than that; he was a proud accomplished gentleman who earned the respect of colleagues, students and friends.
Barbara you are stronger than you think. May you learn more daily about your own strength and remarkable courage. I am here if and when needed. My love, Marie

Diane McVey

August 29, 2021

Ismail was a very special person, so thoughtful and intelligent to talk to at our weekly Rotary meetings. He will be missed by so many. Warmest thoughts to Barbara.

Christy Kasler

August 29, 2021

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.so sorry for your loss barb he was a great man!

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