Dr. Kamal N Zakhari's Obituary
Dr. Kamal Nessim "Zak" Zakhari, 81, passed away peacefully April 21, 2015. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Salwa Dimyan Zakhari; daughters Nicole and Nivine Zakhari; son and daughter-in-law Dr. & Mrs. Hanny K. Zakhari; sister-in-law Samira Dimyan Tadros; niece Rania Gabra; nephew Rami Gabra & family; and many other loving friends & family members still in Egypt. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nessim Zakhari Farag and Mary Yousif Abd-el-Mesiah.
Dr. Zakhari was born in Cairo, Egypt, where he attended the Cairo University College of Dentistry, and practiced out of his dental office for several years near the pyramids of Giza. He married Salwa Dimyan Tadros in the Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo on September 6, 1964, where he was also a servant (deacon). He immigrated to the United States with his wife and son in 1968, where he re-enrolled in dental school, earning his D.D.S. and M.S. from the University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Dentistry in 1973 and 1974, resp.
Dr. Zakhari and family lived in Dayton, Ohio, briefly, where he was on staff at the VA Medical Center there until his appointment as Associate Professor in the Department of Removable Prosthodontics at the University of Florida College of Dentistry from 1974 to 1977. In 1977, he became staff prosthodontist at the Bay Pines VA Medical Center, while also serving as a Captain in the US Army Reserves from 1978 to 1981.
During his distinguished career, Dr. Zakhari taught numerous dental students as a Clinical Professor at the University of Florida College of Dentistry while caring for even more Veterans and reservists. He was also active in the Florida and American Dental Associations and held leadership positions with the International College of Dentists.
After retiring in 1996, Dr. Zakhari and his wife enjoyed traveling, especially on cruises, and visiting friends and family in Egypt. Dr. Zakhari will be remembered for his professionalism, patience, humility, and sense of humor. The family extends its deepest thanks to his caregivers at The Springs at Boca Ciega Bay and Palms of Pasadena Hospital.
Burial services are scheduled for 9 A.M. Monday, April 27, 2015, at Memorial Park Cemetery, 5750 49th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33709. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the University of Florida Foundation for the College of Dentistry, in memory of Dr. Zakhari, P.O. Box 100217, Gainesville, FL 32610-0217 or online at https://www.uff.ufl.edu/OnlineGiving/Dentistry.asp
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