Dr. Mahmoud Hanafy Meleis

Dr. Mahmoud Hanafy Meleis passed away on December 16, 2024, at his home in Greenbrae, California-just as he wished-overlooking Mount Tamalpais and the Bay. He was born on August 12, 1937, in Alexandria, Egypt, a city and culture that nurtured his appreciation for family, friendships, and a distinctive sense of humor.

In the last year of his life, Mahmoud faced serious health challenges, including a stroke and heart failure. Yet through extensive rehabilitation and the unwavering love and attention of his wife - Afaf - his sons - Waleed and Sherief - and frequent visits from his seven grandchildren, he found the strength to pursue his goals to swallow, talk, and walk again. Daily calls and messages from nephews, nieces, grandnephews, and grandnieces worldwide buoyed his spirit and reminded him of his far-reaching, extended family.

Mahmoud came to the United States in 1964 to join his fiancée, Afaf, and to further his education. He had earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alexandria and would go on to complete an M.S. in Electrical Engineering at the University of Southern California and a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering at UCLA. Choosing from several career opportunities, he decided on Bechtel in San Francisco so he could raise his family in Marin County-a place he famously called "God's Country." His career centered on the safety and shielding of nuclear power plants, taking him around the United States and to Germany, Kuwait, Canada, and Japan. He also had an extended stay in Philadelphia where he made many close friends. No matter how far he traveled, Marin County was always home.

His marriage to Afaf was a story of adventure and devotion. They first met in 1960 on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in Marsa Matruh - playing beach racquet ball - while both were studying at the University of Alexandria. After getting engaged in Alexandria, they were married in Los Angeles in 1964. Together, they journeyed to more than 50 countries, savoring beaches in Hawaii and the Mediterranean, hiking the Dolomites, walking through Balinese rice fields, and making repeated trips to Australia and Thailand-two of his favorite destinations. Wherever they traveled, Mahmoud's love for history and his gift for connecting with people ensured that new friendships were formed around the globe. Known fondly to many as "the godfather," he was quick with a joke or story that could lighten any mood, especially when repeated (over and over).

Above all else, Mahmoud was devoted to his family, always putting them ahead of everything else in his life. He was born to be a father-fiercely protective of his sons and determined to give them every opportunity he could. Waleed and Sherief benefited from his commitment to providing a top-quality education and an adventurous, globally-minded upbringing, punctuated by family trips around the world. He also showed his sons how to be devoted fathers of their own and later in life, he treasured every moment with his seven grandchildren: Amani, Karim, Sky, Samir, Alex, Nile, and Lena. He loved watching their activities - including concerts, sports, and swim meets - and they delighted him with their stories and their love for him.

During his professional years, he balanced a demanding nuclear engineering career with his passion for tennis, logging countless hours on the court. After retiring at 59, he pursued yet another passion: painting. His acrylic and oil works adorned the walls of both his Marin and Philadelphia homes, moving back and forth with him, each painting a testament to his artistic exploration. He also found joy in gardening, carefully cultivating flower pots that brightened each spring season.

Mahmoud is survived by his wife, Afaf-whom he called his "first and last love"-his sons, Waleed and Sherief, daughters-in-law Paula and Deena, and his grandchildren Amani, Karim, Sky, Samir, Alex, Nile, and Lena. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews around the world, from the El Shenety, Helmy, Abdul Maksoud, and Meleis families, all of whom will miss his warmth, humor, and generous spirit.

He was laid to rest at Valley Memorial Park Cemetery and Funeral Home in Marin County, California. A celebration of his life (Zekra) will take place in Marin County on the fortieth day after his passing. For those who wish to honor his memory, donations may be made in his name to the Buck Institute for Aging Research (8001 Redwood Boulevard, Novato, CA 94945; https://www.buckinstitute.org/).

May Mahmoud's warmth, love of family, and sense of humor continue to light our memories and guide us forward.