JOSEPH HARROZ

1929 - 2020

Joseph Harroz, M.D.
December 27, 1929 - September 24, 2020

OKLAHOMA CITY
Joseph Harroz, M.D. fell asleep in the Lord Sept. 24, 2020. Born Dec. 27, 1929, he lived a life of love, care, healing, humility and humor that defines a life well-lived. He was a faithful Orthodox Christian, a devoted husband, and a role-model patriarch of a family that he shaped and guided through wisdom, and limitless and enduring love. As a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist, he welcomed more than 12,000 children to the world, both through delivery and adoption. He cared for his patients as he did his family and friends – unconditionally, fully, and faithfully. He earned the respect and love of his communities – his family, his church, his patients, the medical community, and so many in the greater Oklahoma City area – through his compassion, patience, and understanding. He was a peacemaker that saw everyone as valuable, everyone as important.
Dr. Harroz embodied the American dream, born the son of Lebanese immigrants that came to Oklahoma in the late 1800s, seeking a better life. He was the youngest of eight children, and through the combined effort of his family, he was the first to attend college. He received both his undergraduate and medical degrees from The University of Oklahoma in 1952 and 1956. Following his medical residency, he entered the U.S. military, serving as a captain in the Air Force. He returned to Oklahoma City after his military service, and on Sept. 1, 1963, he married the love of his life, Mary Ann. Mary Ann was his best friend and partner in everything they did. His career in medicine spanned almost 60 years, caring for patients, serving in hospital leadership roles such as Chief of Staff of Deaconess Hospital, and teaching at the OU College of Medicine.
His devotion to his family was complete, always teaching, leading, and loving by example. He demonstrated his faith and philosophy not with words, but through actions and service to others. Dr. Harroz was a friend to so many, enjoying spending time with them by playing golf, playing cards, enjoying a meal, or sharing a simple cup of coffee.
While he has been called to heaven, he will be profoundly missed on this earth. He is loved deeply, and his important legacy will live through his family and friends.
Dr. Harroz was preceded in death by this mother and father, Nicola and Rakia Harroz; and by his siblings, Francis Frances, Edward Harroz, Nick Harroz, Jr., Floyd Andeel, Josephine Bayouth, Jenny Greene, and Mary Lou Hawkins. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Ann Harroz; daughter, Sherry Cohlmia (Raymond); son, Joseph Harroz, Jr. (fiancée Ashley); and daughter, Susan Raupe (Steven). He has eight grandchildren: Derek, Brandon, and Joshua Cohlmia; Preston and Sophia Silvernail; and Joseph, Zara, and Jude Harroz.
Visitation with the family will be on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Smith & Kernke N. May Avenue funeral home. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 28, 2020, at St. Elijah Antiochian Christian Orthodox Church with burial to follow at the Fairlawn Cemetery.
Donations suggested to the Flowers that Do Not Wither Fund at St. Elijah.