Dr. Yahia H. "John" Ismail

1938 - 2014

SIR DR. JOHN ISMAIL, DMD, MS, PHD Sir Dr. "John" Yahia H. Ismail, DMD, MS, PhD, 76, of Las Vegas, and formerly of Pittsburgh, passed away May 26, 2014, after falling in his home just four days earlier. He was born Jan. 20, 1938, to Hassan Ismail and Horayah Soliman, in Alexandria, Egypt. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Nadia and Zeinab; and brother, Kamel. John is survived by his loving and devoted wife, of 45 years, Launa; beloved sons, Alan and Zane (Lisa); grandchildren, Sean, Natalie, Talia and Zoe; siblings, Adel, Afaf, Fekry, Ahmed, Laila and Galal; and many beloved nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Dr. Bassam Rabie, John's nephew from Cairo, was present to represent the Egyptian side of the family. Professionally, John was known nationally and internationally as a dental specialist in prosthodontics and implantology, an exceptional clinician, dental educator, lecturer, publisher and researcher. After more than three decades with the University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine, John retired as Professor Emeritus of Prosthodontics. In Las Vegas, John was a clinical instructor at Roseman University Dental School. He continued to lecture and practice dentistry and organized the Nevada Section of the American College of Dentists. John was recognized for his outstanding achievements with awards, accolades and honorary professorships worldwide. He held office in, sat on the board of directors, and belonged to a plethora of prestigious dental organizations. John was both a Mason and a Shriner. He also took great pride in having served as Grand Prior of the Order of St John of Jerusalem Knights of Malta. John was happy to reduce suffering and pain both professionally, with his patients and personally with his students, friends and family. He treated, mentored and counseled so many. His greatest joy was always his family, above all else. There will be a service of celebration of life at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at Mt. View Presbyterian Church, 8601 Del Webb Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89134. The family requests that any gestures of remembrance be made in the form of a donation to the charity of your choice.