Nouri Yousif Mary

It is with profound sadness that we announce the loss of Dr. Nouri Yousif Mary, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He passed away on July 5, 2026 surrounded by the love and comfort of his family.

Dr. Mary was born on June 25, 1929 in Baghdad, Iraq. He earned a Ph.C. degree from Baghdad University College of Pharmacy and an M.S. and Ph.D. from Ohio State University. Upon graduating in 1955, he became a Professor of Pharmacognosy at Baghdad University. Within three years, he was appointed Dean, making him the first Iraqi dean at Baghdad College of Pharmacy to hold a Ph.D. degree. In 1961, the National Academy of Sciences sponsored him as a visiting research scientist at the University of California, San Francisco. Subsequently, he held a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Connecticut, Storrs, Pharmacy Research Institute. In 1965, he joined the Brooklyn College of Pharmacy, known today as Long Island University Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy, as an Associate Professor. Seven years later, he became a full Professor and was then promoted to Associate Dean in 1982.

Dr. Mary had a passion for teaching and higher education. He was that rare combination of intelligence, grace, humility, honesty, and integrity. He took tremendous pride in ensuring the success of each and every one of his students. His legacy is not only shaped by the impact he left on his students, but also on everyone he encountered. He lived a life of sacrifice, selflessness, compassion, generosity, and kindness. Everyone blessed to know and love him can attest to this sentiment.

In his spare time, Nouri loved watching sports, especially football, and was always cheering for his alma mater Ohio State. He also enjoyed watching tennis, horse racing’s Triple Crown, baseball, and Old Westerns. In addition, he loved cooking and perfected many authentic Iraqi and Middle Eastern dishes. Most of all, he cherished spending time with his family. He lived a life of profound faith, always turning to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ whose example he lived by every day.

Nouri was a loving husband to Nakiya Tominna Mary for 68 years, devoted father to Atheel N. Mary and Yasmine (Dr. Ghiath) Alsaigh, and proud grandfather to Christian and Amber. He is also survived by his sister, Suha Atto; brother, Dr. Adhid Miri; and countless nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is now reunited in Heaven with his father, Deacon Yousif Mary; his mother, Hayat Nadhir; and his siblings, Professor Malik Mary, Dr. Suad Mary Misho, Hekmat Mary, and Amal Mary Kinaia.

Nouri was truly the heart and soul of our family. His passing has left a huge void in our hearts and in our lives. We take comfort and hope in knowing that his spirit lives on in everyone who knew and loved him.