Habib Carouba

1932 - 2016

Habib Afif Carouba

May 25, 1932 - October 19, 2016

Those who knew Habib Carouba described him as "larger than life." Known and loved by many throughout his eventful life, Habib was at the center of many a colorful story. Often mistaken in recent years for the "most interesting man in the world" featured in a popular beer ad, he was known for giving an autograph or two when taken for this colorful fictional character (who could have learned a thing or two from Habib, if we're being honest). He always had a twinkle in his eye that let you know things were about to get interesting.

Habib immigrated to the United States from Jaffa, Palestine, in 1948. In short order he joined the U.S. Army - "I credit them for making a man out of a scrappy little kid from Jaffa," he recently said - met the woman who would become his wife, Alice Clancy, and proceeded to get busy creating a life (and five children, in rapid succession).

Struggling to learn English, support a growing family, and assimilate in a new country, Habib began as a busboy and waiter, often working three jobs while attending business school at night. It's a good thing he had the energy of three people… he needed it. He learned English quickly, and studied Frank Sinatra for fashion tips. He cut a dashing figure in what would become his signature look; a well-fitted suit, always a suit. Restaurant ownership came next, followed by many years of successful entrepreneurial pursuits that extended as far as Hawaii, New York and many other cities throughout the United States.

Habib Carouba died as he lived, on his own terms, in his own time, and just as he had hoped: without suffering, struggling or pain. He quietly went to join those who predeceased him - his mother, Alexandra Carouba, brother Nick Carouba, and sister, Vivian Fakhoury. He leaves behind those for whom he had the greatest love - his wife of 63 years, Alice Carouba, sons and daughters-in-law, Nicholas and Phyllis Carouba, James Carouba and Secret Fine, and Joe Carouba and Alix Lutnick, daughter Annie Carouba and her partner, Molly Shem, daughter Mary Carouba, brother-in-law Lou Fakhoury, sister-in-law Katie Carouba, the grandchildren he held dear, Charlotte and Joanna Carouba and Ryan and Alli Schultz, and great-grandchildren, Abby Schultz and Jake Stone Carouba Vela. He also leaves behind greatly loved cousins, nephews and nieces, friends and business associates, his card-playing buddies and so many others. All of us will miss our beloved Habib.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, October 25, 2016, 5-9pm, with an invocation at 7pm at Duggan's Serra Mortuary, 500 Westlake Ave, Daly City, CA (NOT the Duggan's in SF), followed by a service and memorial gathering the following day, October 26, at 11am, St. Nicholas Church, 5200 Diamond Heights Blvd, San Francisco, CA.