Shafik N. Saikaly

Shafik N. Saikaly, age 92, of Pittsburgh on Friday March 31, 2023. He was born in Nazareth, Palestine on December 14, 1930 to the late Nimer and Milia (Jabbour) Saikaly.  Beloved husband of Afaf (Abdo)Saikaly; loving father of Suheir (Robb) Saikaly Pfeil and Sany Saikaly; proud and adoring grandfather of Laila and Landon Pfeil and Thomas Saikaly; brother of Salim(Samira) Saikaly, Samir (late Aida) Saikaly, and the late Samira (late Mousa)Bishara; also survived by many precious nieces and nephews. Shafik Saikaly first came to the United States as a student in 1954 on a YMCA scholarship.  After earning a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from George Williams College in Chicago in 1958, he returned home and took a job as the Director of Youth Work at the YMCA in West Jerusalem. In 1974, the International Division of the YMCA sponsored Shafik and his family’s move to the United States.  For the first year, he worked in the International Division of the YMCA and worked primarily in a number of field associations to educate the staff on the work of the YMCA international office, in particular, the Holy Land.  In 1976, he relocated to Pittsburgh with his family where he served as the executive director of membership and residence of the YMCA in downtown Pittsburgh until 1985. Shafik then took a position as the Director of Jane Holmes Residence, a retirement home, until he retired in 1996. Shafik also volunteered at Passavant Hospital Foundation and Passavant Cancer Care Center for over 20 years. Shafik was a very active member of 2 beloved churches, Glenshaw Presbyterian Church and Christ Episcopal Church. Shafik loved sharing about his Palestinian heritage to anyone who would listen. He often spoke in front of groups that were interested in learning about the Palestinian cause and the many injustices of the Palestinian people. Visitation will be held privately by the family. A Funeral service will be held on Friday, April 28, 2023 at 11 AM in Christ Episcopal Church: 5910 Babcock Blvd. PGH. PA 15237. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 to 10:45 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Christ Episcopal Church 5910 Babcock Blvd., PGH., PA 15237.