ADEL FERGANY Obituary
62, passed away on Tuesday, December 18 2012. Born in Cairo, Egypt, he left everything he knew for a better life in the United States. He attended the Illinois Institute of Technology ('82) where he received a Ph.D. in Computer Science. He later went on to become a software engineer at Tartan, followed by the same position at Texas Instruments, culminating with his position as a tenured professor at Slippery Rock University. Throughout his life, he worked diligently in the Islamic and Interfaith communities of Pittsburgh, serving as president on the board of several organizations, including the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh, and even founding the first Islamic school in the area with several colleagues, the Universal Academy of Pittsburgh (in Swissvale), for his daughter and their children. He is remembered by all who knew him for his kindness, compassion, courage, and love, even in the face of incredible pain and difficulty. He is husband to Fatma El-Hamidi, an Economics professor at the University of Pittsburgh, and father to Nora, 18, and Badr, 13 in Monroeville; uncle to Mohammad Kamal, in Canton, Michigan, and brother to Donya, Hoda, Bahaa, and Nader in Cairo. "Surely we belong to God and to Him shall we return" (2:56).
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David Syiek
February 27, 2013
It was with great sadness that I learned of Adel's passing today. Adel was a friend and colleague at TI/Tartan for many years. As a
colleague, we were often arguing with each other. However, after hours, Adel and I would have long conversations about family, religion and daily life. I found his insights and perspectives unique and very enlightening. I would often talk to him about concerns in my life. To this day, I remember his good advice when those ituations
come up again. The world will miss you Adel. I certainly do.
January 5, 2013
I am so sorry to hear this news. I have not seen Adel since Tartan/TI closed, but I have thought of him frequently. His very presence at Tartan was palpable, and a comfort. I wish I had known him better.
January 5, 2013
I'm so very sorry to hear about Adel. I never saw him after Tartan/TI closed but I thought of him frequently. I wish I had known him better. His very presence was a comfort.
Paul Knueven
January 4, 2013
You have left us too soon dear friend. Memories of your thoughtfulness, kindness, grace and dignity will remain. Our discussions of Islam were of special value to me. Fatma, I was so sorry to hear of this news. You have my sincerest condolences.
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Mary Anne Tolbart
January 4, 2013
Fatma,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Adel was one of the most kind and wonderful men I have ever met. May he rest in peace and know that his efforts to educate those not familiar with the Islamist faith a better understanding of the peace and love it stands. May his legacy grow and continue in your beautiful family.
Ron Duursma
January 4, 2013
If there was a kinder or gentler man on this earth, I have not met him. Rest in Peace, my friend.
Sam and Diana Harbison
January 4, 2013
We have very fond memories of Adel. This is a painful loss. Sam worked with him for many years, and we very much enjoyed the Introduction to Islam course that he organized at the Islamic Center.
nalini
January 2, 2013
I have fond memories of Adel from my Tartan days as a kind and true gentleman. My thoughts and payers are with the family.
Mark Abramowitz
January 2, 2013
I'm terribly sorry to learn of Adel's passing and extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends.
I remember almost like it was yesterday when Adel extended his hand of friendship and introduced himself to me on my first day of work at Tartan more than 25 years ago. He was a mensch then and always, and he will be missed.
Terry Kennedy
January 2, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. I just learned about Adel's passing. This world is poorer without him. I have fond memories of working with Adel at Tartan. For example... During the first gulf war, he provided me with information that could not be easily obtained elsewhere, for which I was grateful to learn. May Adel's memory be a blessing.
Matt Bost
January 2, 2013
My sincere condolences to the Fergany family. I just heard the sad news. Adel was a good man. He was a good collegue and friend to me during our days together at Tartan and TI. He will be missed. My prayers go out to the family during this challenging time.
Mohamed Ismael
December 28, 2012
Time passed. But you are in our minds and hearts.Every corner in my mind, has a memory of you, some discussion, debate or even disagreement. I did not allow myself to grief- I am so scared of it. You were so special to us.
Erhard and Edda
December 27, 2012
Our heartfelt condolences to you and the children. We often remember the days in Pittsburgh and Adel plays a very special role in these memories as a most kind and gentle friend.
December 23, 2012
High School Graduation
Nora Fergany
December 23, 2012
Nora Fergany
December 21, 2012
December 21, 2012
December 21, 2012
Jeffrey Biros
December 21, 2012
I had the privilege of having Nora in class at Gateway High School. My sincere condolences to the entire family for your loss.
December 21, 2012
We are so sorry for you loss. Adel was a wonderful man that we will miss deeply.
David and Joyce
(Tartan)
December 21, 2012
We are so sorry for your loss...We will always remember his quiet strength and courage.
We never "liked" seeing Adel in the hospital, but none of us will forget his kindness and infectious smile. Dialysis staff/SSH
Mohamed &Alia Ismael
December 20, 2012
The dearest, wisest, funniest/We knew Adel for 17 years.His patience, and willingness to help. He is the most reliable and the most beloved. We truly miss you Adel. I will miss the long hours of discussions and debates. God bless you and take you to his heaven, paradise. You are in a better place and not worried about politics, at last
Beverly Gocal
December 20, 2012
The Computer Science Department of Slippery Rock University sends the family of Dr. Fergany our sincere condolences. Adel was a respected colleague who will be missed by faculty and students. Our thoughts and prayers go out for him, Fatima, and their children.
Ahmed Sallam
December 20, 2012
To my best friend, to a true human with kindest heart and brilliant mind, you will be greatly missed. I pray sincerely to Allah to shower your soul with his mercy, elevate your status and grant you the highest levels in paradise. You were one of the best Adel. Your sincerity and kindness opened numerous gates of goodness to numerous people in our life. What a great loss for the family certainly and for me personally. I lost a true sincere friend and life after you will never be the same. I pray to Allah to comfort your family and ease their pain.
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