Refaat Rozek Hanna

In loving memory of my husband, Dr. Refaat Rozek Hanna
November 29, 1963 – December 30, 2025

Many are asking me what happened. It was so sudden, not expected. I have been overwhelmed with phone calls and messages, filled with such kindness. He was loved by so many people from all over the world. He was an amazing person. He travelled to many places due to his job. For everywhere he travelled, he established new friendships. He loved this part of his job. For over 20 years he worked in the medical field at CDC.

We did not know it was going to be our last Christmas together, or last Birthday with us. We went to the local German Christmas market together, no problem. We enjoyed a visit from his best friend and family, newly located to the USA from Ethiopia. Then came Christmas Day. He was so happy. He cooked Christmas dinner this year. He loved to cook. It was a time of family togetherness, enjoyment, and fun, but on December 26th, the day after Christmas, somewhere between his going to an Eye Doctor, and driving back home, his blood pressure soared to near 200, causing brain damage. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and soon drifted into a coma. For 5 days, he remained on life support, that kept him alive, but no responses and no chance of recovering. On December 30th, we had to let him go. He passed peacefully, as I held his hand, with his family, friends, and Abouna Nate at his side.

The love he gave to us was endless. Within our home there is such emptiness, an emptiness that we know will never return, but as Refaat would want it, he would ask us to keep going, be strong, and not give up. RIP my husband. I love you so much. I know you are in God's Hands now.

Refaat is Survived by his wife, Shirley King-Hana, May 10th, 1965. His children, Dnaiel Joseph Hanna, September 17th, 2002, Sarah Ann Hanna, February 9th, 2004, and his stepson Michael Ray Lowery, October 17th, 1988. Grandchild Diana Amelia Hanna, February 7th, 2020. Siblings, many nephews, nieces, great nieces, and cousins. Refaat is predeceased by his mother, father, sister, and two brothers, an older one and a younger one.

Thank you to all those who have been supporting us during this tough time.