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Nadi Elsibai Obituary

Nadi George Elsibai Residence of Alameda Nov. 22, 1951 - Feb. 12, 2011 Nadi George Elsibai, a loving husband and devoted father, brought a smile to the faces of everyone he encountered in his 59 years. Born in Alexandria, Egypt to George and Berta Elsibai, Nadi built a quintessential American life after immigrating to San Francisco in 1973 to join his brother and best friend, Nabil. He bought Caf Corbas in Hayes Valley in 1989 and together with his wife Debbie, made it a fixture in the neighborhood, bringing people of all walks of life, including regulars from the symphony, ballet, opera and City Hall. A lover of squash, good wine, strong coffee and an occasional cigar, he knew how to enjoy life and spread that joy to others. He is survived by his wife Debbie, son Alexander and brother Nabil. Debbie and Alexander will continue to keep the caf open, and Nadi's spirit alive. There will be a Visitation today, Wednesday February 16, 2011 from 3:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. with a Vigil at 6:00 p.m. at Greer Family Mortuary, 2694 Blanding Avenue, Alameda CA. Greer Family Mortuary FD1408 510-865-3755 www.greermortuary.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Feb. 15 to Feb. 16, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Nadi Elsibai

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March 8, 2011

I was so sorry to hear about Nadi's passing. Nadi created one of the most special places in the city. He will be missed. My sincere condolences to the family. I will continue to frequent the cafe.
Kimberly

Randall Wilson

February 19, 2011

Nadi set the compass of the day with a smile, a good word, great cup of coffee. He was the neighbor in this neighborhood, our own Mr. Rogers. I will miss him and his hospitality. I look forward to seeing Debbie more. My condolences to her and Alexander.
A neighbor from the Estrella

Henry Neugebauer

February 16, 2011

Susan Brown and I met Nadi at Telegraph Hill Club back in 1986. We all partied together with Jim and Amy Vargas, Diamond Lim and the twins. We were all "jocks" -- just Nadi was the most elegant racketball player and sportsman. His graciousness in whatever he did is still with us today. Sorry we can't be there -- we have been living in Vancouver, Canada since 1994. We will miss Nadi.

Cecilia Eversman(Weber)

February 16, 2011

Dear Debbie and Alexander, Bill and I want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Much love and peace to both of you.

Mike Baushke

February 16, 2011

Debbie and Alexander -
Nadi was one of those constants in our lives that we greatly appreciate in the present and very sadly miss when gone. The neighborhood on Hayes St. shares in a poignant loss. He was a great man to all who knew him. My thoughts are with you.

Martha Chesley

February 16, 2011

Dear Debbie and Alexander, My heart goes out to you in this difficult time. I will miss Nadi, whose delicious lunches have been part of my life for so many years!

Katy & Bob Willett/Graff

February 16, 2011

We are so sorry for your loss. We'll always remember Nadi's warm, welcoming smile.

Our thoughts are with you both.

Katy and Bob

Andrea Kohlruss

February 16, 2011

Dear Deb and Alexander...I met Nadi even before he bought Cafe Corbas and I have known both of you for a long time as well. I am so sorry and I will miss Nadi more than I can say. He brought something special to the neighborhood and Cafe Corbas was his baby. I went to "Nadi's" almost every day, to see my friend who also happened to make the best Latte. Nadi loved you both very much. See you soon at Corbas...Andrea

February 16, 2011

Dear Debbie:

Our hearts and prayers are with you.

Mr and Mrs V.

Janet & Ryszard Opalka

February 16, 2011

Nadi was a great family man -- I think that's probably the best thing you could say about anybody. Debbie, I remember talking with Nadi on the phone when your sister was sick. He told me you'd be OK because "Debbie is a strong woman." I know that strength and the special family memories you have will help you. Debbie & Alexander, please know we're always here if you need anything.

Anne Voisinet

February 16, 2011

I can still hear Nadi's laugh. Debbie and Alexander, you are both in my thoughts, and Nadi will be in our hearts forever. He was such a great husband and father and good friend; he'll be missed by so many.

Tim Carder

February 16, 2011

Deb & Alexander,

We are so sorry for the loss of Nadi. He was very special and brought a uniqueness to the family. It is a trajedy that he was taken away from us so soon. Our thoughts are with you...

-Tim & Jen
Sophie & Sasha

Paul Welcomer

February 15, 2011

Debbie and Alexander, please know that Nadi will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He had a smile for us every single day we went in to the cafe, and was always truly interested in hearing about his customers' lives. I went to Nadi's (I only rarely think of it as Corbas, I'm afraid) as much to see him as to get his excellent cappuccinos. We are lucky to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Holly Hobson

February 15, 2011

On my first day at the Symphony I was told that Corba's was the place to go for coffee and Nadi was the guy to see. He will be missed.

Tim Carless

February 15, 2011

Nadi was a fixture in our community and we will all miss him so much. Debbie and Alexander, my thoughts are with you.

mike kern

February 15, 2011

Hi Debbie & Alexander me sincere condolences to the both of you. I remember all the good times we shared and all the Super Bowls Nadi& I watched over the years especially those in which the 49ers played and won.My prayers and sympathy to you both
Mike Kern.
Mike Kern- San Francisco California

Kathy Boersma

February 15, 2011

Debbie & Alexander you are in our prayers. We will see you soon. Nadi added a special something to our family. He will be missed. Kathy & Jim

Hilda Kissane

February 15, 2011

I enjoyed many a good cup of coffee and chat with Nadi at Cafe Corbas. He will be missed in the neighborhood.

Chandra Asken

February 15, 2011

There are so many of us thinking of you at this time. Nadi will be missed. Sincere condolences to you, your son and entire family (both blood and extended).

Jennifer

February 15, 2011

I'm so sad to hear about this. Nadi was a good friend and neighbor of the SFAA. I loved the Barry Bonds homerun poster and the crushed ice on those rare hot days.

Diana Sebastiani Kern

February 15, 2011

Dearest Debbie, My sincere condolences to you and Alexander. I so fondly recall all the many fun times we shared together with you and Nadi those years in San Francisco. My prayers and sympathy to your families. Take Care, Diana and Andrew.

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