DR. THABET ZAKARIA

1932 - 2021

ZAKARIA DR. THABET 88, of Rose Valley, PA, passed away on May 13, 2021, in his home of 45 years, surrounded by his loving family. Thabet was born in 1932 in a small farming village on the outskirts of Damascus, Syria. Despite very difficult circumstances, he excelled academically and was the top-ranked graduating high school student in all of Syria. He then went on to Alexandria University in Egypt, after which he was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to continue his studies at Michigan State University. There, he earned a Master's degree in Urban Planning and was awarded the title of Most Outstanding Graduate of the Year, even though he was still mastering the English language. He then received his Ph.D. in Transportation Planning at the University of Pennsylvania. Soon after, Thabet joined the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) in Philadelphia, where he worked for 43 years. Known at work as "Zak," he was an expert in his field and retired in 2009 from his role as the Deputy Director of Transportation Planning. Thabet was an avid reader, chef, gardener, and master of all trades. He provided counsel to all who sought it, through words and action, especially to his children. He traveled the world, but was happiest sipping coffee on the patio of his tree-covered backyard, together with his loved ones. He loved to tell anyone who would listen about his children's accomplishments, and about his grandchildren, whom he whole-heartedly adored. Thabet is survived by his wife of 46 years, Ms. Ghada Ghadri Zakaria; his son, Dr. Sammy Zakaria, spouse of Dr. Dalia Shlash of Clarksville, MD; his daughter, Ms. Dena Zakaria Glaeser, spouse of Mr. William Glaeser of Garnet Valley, PA; his daughter, Ms. Suzanne Zakaria, spouse of Mr. Austin Himes of Washington, DC; and his five grandchildren, Layla, Liam, Rosanna, Layth, and Zade. Islamic burial services will be held privately at the Bawa Muhaiyaddeen Fellowship Cemetery in East Fallowfield, PA. Memorial services will be scheduled at a later time. The family thanks you for your support and prayers. If you wish, contributions can be made in Thabet's memory to the National Geographic Society.