Birth date: Mar 14, 1941 Death date: Feb 14, 2024
Wadi D. Haddad, 83, of Ashburn, VA, passed away on 14 February 2024, at 6:30 pm. Born on March 14, 1941, in Aindara, Lebanon, he was the son of the late Daher Boutros Haddad and the late Wardeh Elias Kahter. In addition to his pa Read Obituary
The passing news of Dr. Wadi has painful effect on me. We had close ties together since our young age, and continued across the years, until the immigration separated us. This was except occasions we met, and were for us very precious.
My wife Sawsan and I offer our sincere condolences to his dear wife Hoda, their daughters Sandra and Lubna, his sister Souad, and all the family. May the Lord comfort your hearts with grace and peace.
I met Wadi and Huda when I joined the university of Wisconsin, USA to pursue my higher education in YEAR 1964. What initially brought us together was that we both had the same adviser and then we became roommates for a while. However our friendship grew over the years and we soon met again at AUB, Lebanon where we worked together for many years.
Wadi introduced me to a friend of his over lunch and this was how I joined the world bank . Our families became very close during the three years we spent there. Wadi and Huda were very helpful to us during the three years we were there.
Wadi was such a gentleman, always true to himself, dedicated to his work, to Lebanon and of course to his family. He achieved and held many high positions in his professional life but that did not take away from his humility or his love for helping others. He was truly a genuine soul and remained a great friend until the end.
It is such a great loss for his beloved family, to his friends and to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed and remembered fondly.
Houda, Sandra, Loubna and family please accept our sincere condolences. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
The Jarrar family and I extend our deepest condolences for your loss. Wadi's passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His multifaceted persona as a family man, humanitarian, mentor, and knowledgeable friend made him a remarkable individual, and his absence will be keenly felt. May he find eternal peace, as his unwavering faith and profound connection with God were palpable throughout his life, securing for him a special place in heaven, just as he held a special place in our hearts on earth.
My journey with Wadi began during my first year at the university when he served as my physics lab instructor at AUB in 1963. His dedication, knowledge, approachability, and patience left a lasting impression on me. Even then, he was always accessible, offering guidance and support whenever needed.
Later, as I pursued graduate studies in the Education Department at AUB, I had the privilege of collaborating with Wadi and the department faculty members as the graduate student representative on a curriculum review for the department's diplomas and extension programs. Wadi treated me as a colleague, nurturing my development and fostering my leadership skills.
Our paths crossed again in 1974 at Florida State University, where I had the pleasure of meeting you, his beloved family. Although circumstances prevented me from joining the Lebanese Educational Research and Development Center, established by Wadi to reform Lebanon's educational system, our connection endured. Upon joining the World Bank in 1979, I found Wadi already established in a senior position.
He became a guiding mentor, supporting me throughout my tenure and strengthening our friendship. Through various encounters, my family grew fond of Wadi and his remarkable family.
Wadi continued to support me as I ventured into establishing a consulting firm, providing valuable feedback on our first World Bank-commissioned task on the elementary educational system in Nigeria. His invitation to join his team at the Inter-Agency Commission organizing the World Education Conference (Jomtien, Thailand, 1990) further solidified our professional collaboration.
As its secretary-general, Wadi successfully led efforts to pass the "World Declaration on Education for All" (EFA) and the "Framework for Action to Meet Basic Learning Needs." Managing this effort involved navigating the agendas of the four Divas of the main U.N. agencies, along with delegates from 155 governments, 150 international NGOs, and 20 inter-governmental bodies, including policymakers and education specialists. Wadi accomplished this feat with flying colors, a testament to his exceptional professionalism.
Under his leadership, the conference achieved a historic milestone with the adoption of the 'World Declaration on Education for All,' a testament to Wadi's exceptional leadership and managerial qualities. "The declaration and the framework of action represented a new vision and worldwide consensus on an expanded vision of basic education and a renewed commitment to ensure that the basic learning needs of all children, youth, and adults are met effectively all over the world."
Wadi possessed a commanding presence that captivated audiences, and his laughter could light up a room. His infectious passion and unmatched generosity of spirit inspired all who knew him. Yet, he remained open to diverse perspectives, challenging us to excel beyond our comfort zones. I am forever grateful for Wadi's profound influence on my education, career, and life. Each moment shared with him holds a cherished place in my heart. Rest in peace, Wadi. You are deeply missed, my dear friend.
My Khalo Wadi, I have such fond memories of him growing up in Lebanon. I was so proud to tell my school friends that Dr. Wadi Haddad, the distinguished and accomplished advisor to the Minister of Education and to the president, is my uncle (my Khalo)! I will always remember and miss his contagious laugh and his witty sense of humor that we enjoyed during our family get-togethers. I recall listening attentively while he shared many fascinating stories that reflected significant accomplishments which left an indelible impression on my life.
I’m so grateful for the cherished memories. He will be immensely missed by our family and by the many lives that he’s impacted throughout his accomplished life.
Khalo, a part of the world is a better place because you lived in it. Your great legacy will live on through the lives you've touched and loved, especially Tante Houda, Sandra, Loubna and Christian!
I can only imagine the welcome that you’ve received in heaven, my Khalo Wadi!
My Dear Ammo:
I am grateful, angry, sad and rejoicing all at the same time!
Grateful because God gave me the blessing to cross our paths and allowed me the privilege of knowing you.
Angry because the time we shared was not enough. Seven years of being a part of your family was not enough to experience all that was you. Your kindness, your knowledge, your experience, your laughter, your jokes, your humility as a servant of God and your love.
Sad because I won’t have our talks, our slow walks, our drives to your appointments or to do whatever you needed. I find myself looking at my calendar to see what I have planned for the day or the week and it feels empty because much of it was dependent on you. Sad because I lost a friend, a teacher but most of all the best father in-law that anyone can ask for.
Joyful because I know that you are not in pain anymore, that finally you are rejoicing in heaven with those you love that passed before you.
But still know that I will miss you every day as long as I live because you live in Loubna’s face, her actions, her moral compass and her integrity.
Dear Houda & Family: I am sorry to hear of the passing of this Giant Wadih Haddad. He stood strong and tall for Lebanon’s freedom, democracy and independence when he served in the Gemayel Administration. I knew Wadih since I was in College at Sacred Heard in North Carolina when I invited him to speak at a Lebanese American gathering. He served Lebanon with great diplomatic skills, humility, and determination. He never faltered or yield to his believes in Lebanon’s destiny. Lebanon and I lost a great servant not only for Lebanon but for humanity. Now I am so happy that I spoke with him few weeks ago and we chatted for a while he sounded strong and determined. May he rest in the arms of our Lord.
Cordially,
Janet & Walid Maalouf
Ammo Wadih, a distinguished man with a very admirable personality. Prominent, yet humble; serious, yet full of sense of humor. He left a lasting impact with whomever he encountered. A family man who checked on all of us regularly.
Ammo Wadih,
What a blessing and honor to have you in my life. I miss you dearly. Until we meet again.
Sila
Painful... So painful... But he is now where souls gather to honor GOD.
Henri Zoghaib.
Ammo Wadih left and indelible impression on everyone who met him for his genuine care about the people around him. He had the brilliance of being serious while not taking himself too seriously - a character gift from God that drew people to his presence and words. He used these words carefully to elevate every conversation he was a part of.
I hold a special spot in my heart for the discussions we had around education and child development. His seemingly uncomplicated, yet profound, advice and insights have resonated with me and encouraged me.
What a blessing to have known a follower of Christ who reflected God’s love in his life faithfully!
