Faris Trodd Kahwajy, Jr.

Faris Trodd Kahwajy Jr., 89, of Bowie, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2026.

Born in Richmond on July 23, 1936, Faris was a proud graduate of Richmond’s Benedictine High School. He went on to attend Virginia Tech where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering, participated in the Corps of Cadets, and was inducted into several honorary fraternities. He later earned a Master’s degree from George Washington University.

Faris began his engineering career in the private sector before dedicating 30 years to public service with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, rising to the level of Chief of the Ground Systems Division. He led work that supported the nation’s early weather satellite programs, helping develop and sustain the ground-based computing and communications systems that command satellites and process incoming data. His contributions spanned three generations of satellite systems, from TIROS/TOS and ITOS through the GOES era. Throughout his career, he was respected for his intelligence, leadership, integrity, and steady dedication.

In 1961, Faris met the love of his life, Elizabeth Mehailescu, through a Catholic young adult group in northern Virginia. They married in 1962 and were among the first homeowners in the then-developing city of Bowie, Maryland, where they raised their family and built a life together for more than six decades.

A devout Catholic, Faris was a faithful member of St. Pius X Catholic Church for over 60 years. He was also a man of wide-ranging interests: he loved reading, enjoyed playing cards and bridge in his younger years, enthusiastically followed advancements in technology, and was an avid, lifelong fan of Virginia Tech football. Faris took immense joy in cheering on his Hokies, especially during their dominant years of defeating the rival Virginia Cavaliers year after year.

Above all, Faris lived his faith through his love for family, compassion for others, and quiet care for those around him. A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, he was known for his wisdom, preparedness, sense of humor, generosity, and calm presence. His thoughtful advice, quick wit, and gentle spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Faris was preceded in death by his parents, Faris Trodd Kahwajy Sr. and Ellen Fahed Kahwajy, and by his brother, E. Fredrick Kahwajy.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Elizabeth Kahwajy; his four children, Karen Samek (Jeff), Kevin Kahwajy (Shannon Barnett), Jeannie Kahwajy (Douglas Bone), and David Kahwajy (Denise Davis); five grandchildren, Krista Samek Blase (Will), Ellie Kahwajy, Andy Kahwajy, Justin Kahwajy, and Kylie Kahwajy; and his devoted sisters, Mary Kahwajy and Christine Laniak (Charlie).

A viewing will be held at 10 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1400 Perry Street, Richmond, Virginia.

For those unable to attend in person, the service may be viewed via livestream.

Interment will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Benedictine College Preparatory, 12829 River Rd, Richmond, VA 23238.