Kamal S. Elmalak

Kamal Saleeb Abd Elmalak, 84, of Bayonne, NJ, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a viewing on Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Shook-Farmer Funeral Home, 45 Roseland Ave., Roseland, NJ 07068 (shookfarmer.com). A funeral ceremony will follow at 10:30 AM at the funeral home, with interment at Restland Memorial Park, 77 Deforest Ave., East Hanover, NJ 07936.
Born in Asyut, Egypt, Kamal's life was a journey marked by courage, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to God and to his family. He was born on June 12, 1941, and was born again in 1953 when he was 12 years old, when he came to know the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior. Since then, Kamal's life was guided by a deep and abiding trust in God - a trust that carried him through every challenge and triumph. Kamal's Christian faith was central to his life. He was a longtime member of the Parsippany Gospel Hall, formerly known as Livingston Gospel Hall.
Kamal graduated from the College of Engineering in Cairo, Egypt in 1967, the same year he began serving as an officer in the Egyptian army. For about seven years, Kamal served during times of war and was preserved only by grace and protected by divine providence. His strength and discipline were evident not only through his military service but in every chapter of his life.
After his military service, Kamal built a successful career in Egypt as an electrical engineer. He rose through the ranks until he was entrusted with managing the Ministry of Engineering's laboratory, while simultaneously operating his own electronics repair business. On November 11, 1981, Kamal married his loving wife, Awatif Henawy. Together, they raised four children, and Kamal poured his heart into being a devoted husband and father. His greatest purpose was his family, and he never wavered in that calling. Kamal lived each day to provide for his family and to ensure that his children were educated, cared for, and equipped to succeed. He encouraged his children to do better and be better, teaching them to work hard, to face challenges head-on and to reach for their highest potential.
In order to provide a better life for their four young children, Kamal and Awatif made the bold and courageous decision to immigrate to the United States. In June 1991, at the age of 50, Kamal came first on his own to the United States to begin building a foundation for the family – finding work, securing a place to live, and preparing a home where his family could thrive. Driven by his devotion to his wife and children, Kamal took on various jobs - as a busboy, a hotdog vendor, and eventually as an electronics technician - working tirelessly and without complaint. He worked with dignity, perseverance, and faith that God was writing his story. A few years later, in February 1996, his wife and children were able to reunite with him in the United States, beginning the next chapter of their lives together.
At an age when many would be planning for retirement, Kamal began a new career. At the age of 59, he joined the New York City Department of Transportation, returning to his original profession as an electrical engineer. He worked there faithfully until his retirement in 2016, at the age of 75.
Kamal's journey was not just one of professional achievement, but of spiritual resilience. God preserved him through war, through the difficult transition to a new country, and even through the tragic events of the September 11 World Trade Center attack. On that fateful morning of September 11, 2001, Kamal was working near the Twin Towers, when tragedy struck. He was among the countless people running through clouds of smoke and debris and fleeing for safety, as the towers collapsed around him. By God's grace, Kamal's life was spared that day, something that he and his family recognized as a profound blessing, one that gave them more precious years together.
Kamal's story is one of quiet heroism. He did not seek recognition, but he earned respect. He did not chase wealth, but he built a legacy. He did not speak loudly, but his life spoke volumes. Kamal was marked by a generosity of spirit-not just with his resources, but with his time, his wisdom, and his heart. He welcomed people into his home with open arms and was always ready to lend a helping hand, giving generously without expecting anything in return. His generosity was rooted in humility and love, and it left a lasting impact on those fortunate enough to have known him.
We honor Kamal today not just for what he did, but for who he was: a man of faith, a man of strength, a family man, and a man of compassion. May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forward the lessons he taught us-about perseverance, humility, generosity, and the power of a life lived with purpose and faith in Jesus Christ. We will deeply miss him.
Kamal was predeceased by five brothers and two sisters. He is survived by his beloved wife of almost 44 years, Awatif Henawy; his cherished children, Sam Elmalak, Ehab Elmalak, Mary Elmalak, and Seham Elmalak; and his brother, Maher Elmalak. Kamal's bond with his family remained strong throughout his life. He had a clear vision: to serve his family, to honor God through his faith, and to finish the race set before him. In recent years, Kamal felt that his mission on Earth was complete and deeply longed to meet his Lord and Savior. On August 30, 2025, Kamal entered into eternal rest, forever to be with the Lord whom he trusted all his life.