Joseph Soliman Anawati
December 25, 1940 – January 3, 2026

The family of Joseph (Joe) Anawati is deeply saddened to announce his passing on January 3, 2026.

Joe was born on December 25, 1940, in Alexandria, Egypt, to Soliman (Constantine "Costi") Anawati and Rosine Nayef Anawati. He grew up on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea during a vibrant era that helped shape his lifelong joie de vivre. He often reminisced with great pride about his early years, cherishing those formative memories throughout his life.

Joe attended St. Marc College in Alexandria, where he formed lifelong friendships and graduated in 1960. He went on to Alexandria University, earning a degree in chemistry and pharmacy in 1965. A gifted athlete, Joe was a standout basketball player and proudly represented Egypt as a member of the Egyptian National Basketball Team—a passion for the sport he carried with him throughout his life.

In 1969, Joe married Malak Afif Sabbagh in Beirut, Lebanon. They lived in Tripoli, Libya, until early 1973. Their son, Karim (Kevin) Joseph Anawati, was born in Alexandria, Egypt, in 1971, and their daughter, Caroline Jo Anawati, was born in Cairo, Egypt, in 1973. The family later immigrated to Orange County, California, in 1979, where Joe joined Allergan Pharmaceuticals in Irvine. He devoted his entire professional career to the pharmaceutical industry, retiring at the age of 59.

Joe is survived by his wife, Fernande (Nanda) Jean Anawati and her children; his son Kevin and his wife Elizabeth, and their children River, Ella, Lily, and Ryan; his daughter Caroline and Francisco Zubieta, and their children Sophie and Isabella; his siblings Mary, Nabil (Nino), and Madelaine (Mado) Anawati and their children.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Joe's friends—near, far, and departed—for the love and affection they shared with him throughout his life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

To view webcasting of service, click HERE .