Dr. Adel Fahim Hanna

Dr. Hanna is survived by his wife of 46 years, Dr. Souzan Yanni, his sons, Hani and Peter Hanna, his daughters-in-law, Laura Swanson and Linda Mason, his grandchildren, Emma and Kevin Swanson-Hanna, his sister, Susan Hanna, his brothers-in-law, Rafik Seifein and Dr. Hani Seifein, and his sisters-in-law, Dr. Laila Yanni and Mrs. Seham Selim. He was beloved by his extended family members and friends throughout the world and he will be deeply missed

Dr. Hanna was a devout founding member of St. Mary’s Coptic Cathedral in Raleigh, where he was recognized and awarded for his services on October 1, 1994. Dr. Hanna, a consummate servant for all Coptics, continued his work with the Archangel Raphael and Saint John the Beloved Coptic Orthodox Church in Chapel Hill. Dr. Hanna served as an esteemed member of the Board of both churches and was trusted for his insight and kindness, which was a hallmark of his character.

In addition to his efforts in the Coptic community, Dr. Hanna was a proud and long-serving member of the academic community at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He achieved his undergraduate degree and Ph.D., in Atmospheric Science from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. Dr. Hanna served as Professor and Director of the Center for Environmental Modeling for Policy Development for the Institute for the Environment at the University. He was a loved faculty member of the University from January 2001 until his final retirement in March 2021.

Dr. Hanna was born in Cairo, Egypt on October 11, 1945. His father and mother, the late Fahim Hanna and Lina Hanna raised four children, including the late Dr. Samir Fahim Hanna and Magdy Fahim Hanna. He was a devout family man and a pious Christian. May the Lord repose his soul, comfort the family, and may his memory be eternal.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 26 at 1:00 pm at Saint Mary’s Coptic Church, 3405 New Hope Rd. Raleigh, NC 27604 with burial immediately following at Raleigh Memorial Park 7501 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27612.

In place of flowers, the family requests that you make a charitable donation on behalf of St. Mary’s Coptic Church in Raleigh, North Carolina or the Archangel Raphael and Saint John the Beloved Coptic Orthodox Church in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.