A. George Mourad

George Mourad, 83, respected scientist and beloved head of a large family, passed away May 9 at The Forum at Knightsbridge, in Columbus, OH. Born in Bludan, Syria, he was the eldest son of Jurius and Emily (Ade) Mourad, both deceased.

He came to the United States in his twenties, on a scholarship, to attend college and subsequently became a citizen. Mourad completed several degrees from The Ohio State University and went on to become a pioneer and authority in the field of Marine Geodesy. He spent the majority of his career at Battelle Columbus, where he played a major role in national and international efforts to develop precise methods for ocean surveying and mapping.

Family came first with Mourad and meant more than his many professional accomplishments. He gave freely of his time and attention to loved ones, especially children. He never met a little one he couldn’t captivate. Mourad, along with wife Lee, were the ultimate hosts, entertaining noted scientists and picky toddlers with equal finesse. Dinners at the Mourad table were legendary, with Mourad often serving vegetables he had grown in his garden and meat he had grilled to perfection. He had a knack for bringing people together, making each individual feel welcome, special and appreciated. He applied that talent, along with his self-taught financial acumen, when he volunteered for community organizations, such as the former Central Ohio Lung Association.

Mourad is survived by cherished wife of 56 years, Leona (Fischer) Mourad, associate professor emeritus in the OSU College of Nursing; daughter Valerie (John) Wilson of Columbus; granddaughters Sarah (Brian) Burke of Cleveland, OH, and Emily (Kenton) Smith of Carmel, IN; great-grandchildren Moira, Fiona, and Colm Burke, and Gabrielle and Marjorie Smith. Mourad is also survived by dear brothers Dr. Nabeeh (Michelline) Mourad of Charlotte, NC; Dr. Walid (Najat) Mourad of Gaithersburg, MD; Dr. William (Mooneen) Mourad of Santa Barbara, CA; and equally dear sister Nemat (Abdul Noor) Helal of Houston TX. Dozens of nieces, nephews, and cousins, who brought Mourad incredible joy with each interaction, also survive him.

Special thanks to the caring staff of the Bridge to Rediscovery unit at The Forum at Knightsbridge, Heartland Hospice nurses, Dr. Paul E. Harris, Jr., and Dr. Donald L. Freidenberg.

Celebration of Life service will be held Friday May 15, at 3 p.m., preceded by calling hours from 1-3 p.m., at Schoedinger Worthington Chapel, 6699 N. High St. in Worthington with Celebrant Mark Dettmer officiating. Inurnment to follow at a later date in Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Hilliard, OH. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090, or to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205.