Awni Tony Shubair of Michigan City passed away at his home on March 27, 2014. He was 76
Awni was born in Gaza, Palestine, on April 2, 1937, the eldest of 11 brothers and sisters
He immigrated to the United States in 1962, making the Chicagoland area his primary area of residence, and attended Governor’s State University and the Chicago City Junior College, from which he received degrees in business administration. In 1970, Awni married his ex-spouse Beth Shubair (nee Chellberg), and from that union came five children, Amy, David, Jeana, Jason and Julie. In 1989, he remarried Soha Shubair nee El Agha
Within a few years of coming to the United States, Awni began a career in international banking, working his way up to management positions in various banking institutions’ international banking, letters of credit and international trade services departments. His career found him working in banks such as the First National Bank of Chicago, Chase Bank International and Banque Indosuez, all in Chicago, as well as banks in Houston, Los Angeles and New York City. In the early 1980s, he became chairman of the Houston Banking Committee on Letters of Credit and he instructed courses on letters of credit with the American Institute of Banking in Houston. In 1990, Awni returned to the Middle East, where he continued his banking career in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, before returning to Ramallah, Palestine, in the mid-1990s to help establish the international banking department of the Palestinian International Bank. He retired in 1999
Awni greatly enjoyed cooking, particularly Middle Eastern cuisine, and hosting large gatherings of people. He was an enthusiastic backgammon player and enjoyed teaching the game to others. Awni was always happiest and in his element when he was surrounded by family and friends. He was a kind, pious and generous man who regularly made donations to the less fortunate living in Palestine
Awni was preceded in death by his parents; ex-spouse, Beth Shubair; daughter, Amy; and son, Jason. He is survived by his wife, Soha of Michigan City; son, David of Chesterton; daughters, Jeana (Ryan) Tonk and Julie (Justin) Camer of Michigan City; grandchildren, Grace Estill-Shubair of Valparaiso and Audrey Camer of Michigan City; his siblings, many nieces and nephews, and countless friends
Awni’s services were held at White-Love Funeral Home, and he was buried in Chesterton Cemetery