Elias Khalil Hebeka

Elias Khalil Hebeka, 87 years of age, of Naples, Florida, son of Khalil Abood Hebeka and Wadia Hebeka ( Roumie), was born in Alexandria, Egypt, on July 25, 1936. He passed into life eternal peacefully at home on June 16, 2024.
Elias spent a happy childhood in Cairo, Egypt. In 1956, he graduated first in his class from the University of Cairo and was awarded an AID Scholarship to the Waxman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers University in New Jersey, where he earned a PhD in 1963.
While at university, he met and married his wife of 60 years, Barbara ( Streichenwein). They settled in a suburb of Cairo, where Elias established the first Department of Microbiology at the University of Cairo. After immigrating to the USA several years later to pursue a career in research and development of pharmaceuticals for Parke Davis in Detroit, Michigan he began his climb up the corporate ladder. Years later Elias shifted gears to become the President and CEO of the newly built Liberty Science Center in Jersey City. In 1994 Revlon Cosmetics persuaded him to join the company, where he worked for over ten years, retiring to Naples, Florida as President of Worldwide Operations in 2004.
Elias was not only a successful professional but also a dedicated community member. He embraced the principles of faith,
self-reliance, hard work, loyalty, and fairness, and these values were reflected in his active involvement in numerous business and charitable Board of Directors. The Board of Trustees of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church of North America held a special place in his heart and soul. He was a Life Member of The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch, participating in the Governing Council for many years. As a Founding Member of St. Paul Orthodox Church in Naples, Florida, he served as a Parish Council member and as Chairman. Elias was also a proud and grateful trustee of the American University in Cairo, where he helped bring Western thought and education to his native country. The Dr. and Mrs. Elias Hebeka Building stands at the entrance to the AUC Campus in New Cairo, as a testament to his contributions.
Elias enjoyed a rich personal life outside his professional and community involvement. He loved spending time with his family, and his face would light up when he was with his grandchildren, Ela and Zahil. He also enjoyed traveling the world with friends and family, golfing at Pelican Marsh, and playing backgammon on Saturdays at our Moorings Park at Grey Oaks Community. Elias was a very proud American, forever grateful for the opportunities this country affords.
Elias made many treasured friends at in Moorings Park at Grey Oaks Community. He loved and was grateful for the community and its warm, friendly, caring residents and staff. He served as Chairman of the Health and Wellness Committee and participated in several other committees.
Elias is survived by his wife, Barbara; son, Michael George; wife, Mikelle (Gorman), son Mark Joseph, and wife, Michele (Zimmerman); granddaughter, Ela Bean; grandson, Zahi Khalil; his sisters, Georgette Sourial (Malaz) and Mary Farhat, and his brother, Fouad (Roseann) in addition to many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
Viewing will be held on Thursday, June 27, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at St. Paul Orthodox Church, 2425 Rivers Road (intersection of Immokalee Road), Naples, Florida, 34120.
The Funeral Service is being held at St. Paul Orthodox Church on Friday, June 28 at 10:00 AM, followed by the Internment at Palm Royale Cemetery, 6790 Vanderbilt Beach Road.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Elias' memory to the Very Rev. Joseph Shaheen Memorial Fellowship Hall Building Fund at St. Paul Orthodox Church: Online: www.stpaulnaples.org/support and select "Give to Fellowship Hall "or by check: memo "Fellowship Hall".
The funeral service on Friday morning, June 28th at 10:00AM will be live streamed on the St. Paul Orthodox Christian Church – Naples, FL Facebook Page for those who wish to participate with us.
Memory Eternal!