Samir Khabbaz

Samir Anton Khabbaz, age 86, died on Monday, March 11, 2019 at his home in Richlandtown, PA. Born on March 31, 1932, in former Palestine, he was the son of the late Anton and Mary (Salah) Khabbaz, and the beloved husband of Shirley (Dean) Khabbaz, to whom he was married 59 years this past October. Samir was an acclaimed Mathematics Professor at Lehigh University. Retiring in 2006 after 60 years. He taught and did research at the University of Massachusetts, the University of Liverpool, the University of Mexico and Lehigh University. He achieved his undergraduate degree from Bethel College, his Doctorate from University of Kansas, and did post-Doctorate work at Yale University. In achieving his Doctorate, he was tasked with solving 1 out of a list of 5 famously unsolved math problems. After solving 3, and working on a 4th, he was told to stop and leave the last 2 problems for his own research. He started his career focusing on algebra, then moved on to singularities, and finally topology. He was frequently asked to lecture internationally on these subjects and was noted for being able to instantly adapt to and continue other research associate's work. Samir was granted the "Man of the Year" award for his accomplishments in his field, in 2015, by Bethel College in Kansas. Family man, professor of mathematics, musician, and interested in bringing Arabic music into the Lehigh Valley, he will be sadly missed. In addition to his wife, Samir is survived by: son Clifford Dar Khabbaz (wife Bridget); brother Nabil Khabbaz; grandchildren Tashina, Daniel, Christine, Aron, Kenny, Evan, Rachael, and Courtney; great-grandchildren Bryson, Ashlynn, and Daniela; daughter-in-law Donna Eng; nieces Rowan Siebolt; Mary Ann, Lee Ann, Patty & JoAnn; nephews Anton Khabbaz & Anthony; and Hunka son Wilber "Chubb" White Mouse and Hunka daughter Lynda Marshall. In addition to his parents, Samir is preceded in death by: son Brian Khabbaz; daughter Tani Khabbaz; and sister Diana Campbell. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.NaugleFCS.com.