Rockport — Tarek Mohamed Ismail El Heneidy, of Rockport, passed quietly to Allah on January 4, 2013, after an extended illness, and is now in a peaceful place. All who know Tarek adore his open heart, his overflowing generosity, kindness, and unconditional nurturing love for all.
Tarek was born in Cairo, Egypt, on December 25, 1943, the son of the late Mohamed El Heneidy, and Gamalat Mahmoud Khalil. He immigrated to the United States and continued on to become a graduate of Ricker College in Maine, and received a master’s degree from the University of Rhode Island in chemical engineering. His career was one of entrepreneurship, IT consulting, and business ventures in the Middle East.
Tarek is known for being a pacifist, advocating for world peace, especially in the Middle East. He worked at educating people, especially children, about Islam and the power of non-violence. He was an active member of the National Council of the Fellowship of Reconciliation, Nyack, NY, with which he made many trips to the Middle East for peace negotiations, most notably when he negotiated the release of four hostages from Iraq in 1990. He was also a member of the North Shore Coalition for Peace and Justice, Artsbridge, and the Center for the Study of Jewish-Christian-Muslim Relations at Merrimack College.
He received a lifetime recognition award from Artsbridge in 2012 for his work in bringing together young people from Palestine and Israel to experience a safe environment that cultivates art creativity as a medium for listening and dialogue. This award was presented by former Gov. Michael Dukakis at the Kennedy Memorial Library.
Tarek and his beloved wife, Georganna Joy, were known for their open hearts and open house to all. Their generosity and fun loving personalities were felt by everyone, especially with their hospitality at every 4th of July, a traditional time for one and all to experience an annual day of joy for our country, which he loved.
Tarek is survived by his adoring wife of 45 years, Georganna Joy El Heneidy (née Piacitelli); his brother, Roushdi El Heneidi, of New York City; and his sisters, Soha, Abla, Maissa, and pre-deceased by his sister, Mona, all of Cairo, Egypt. Tarek was a devoted mentor, father figure and inspiration to everyone that he crossed paths with, especially: Dahlia, Kareem, Tarek, Hadi, Hesham, Sami, Mohammed, Jolene, Ricky, Christina, Joseph, Elias, and Sirkka.
Tarek will be missed by all. His energy will be felt forever, and his memory will live in all our hearts and minds.
ARRANGEMENTS: Following a beautiful and traditional Muslim service, he was buried at Forest Hills Cemetery in Jamaica Plain. Contributions may be made in his name to Artsbridge, Inc. P.O. Box 113, Swampscott, MA 01907 or House of Peace, 1 High Street, Ipswich, MA 01938.
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