Tony Adib Chebli's Obituary
Tony Adib Chebli, 91, of Miami, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2025,
surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, on November 21, 1933, Tony's life was marked by his enduring
love for his family, his deep-rooted spirituality and values, and his dedication to his
career.
On May 18, 1961, Tony married his beloved Najat Berbari in Beirut. Together, they
raised their five children, living in a number of cities around the world and in the U.S.
before settling in Miami in 1979.
Tony studied mechanical engineering at Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland,
Ohio, in the 1950s. He went on to have a long and distinguished career with Pan
American Airways, working as an aircraft maintenance engineer, flight engineer, and
instructor. After Pan Am, Tony continued his work as an international flight engineer,
until he retired in 2006.
A longtime member of Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church in Coral Gables,
Florida, Tony was also an active volunteer at Baptist Hospital and with the Miami-Dade
County Elections Department after his retirement.
Tony was known for his warmth, kindness, humility and generosity, always offering a
smile and wise words to everyone he met. He enjoyed traveling, spending time with
family, writing, philosophy, reading, gardening, and fishing, as well as sharing stories of
his youth in Lebanon and of his travels with his family and friends.
Tony is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Najat; 5 children – Adib Chebli, Walid
(Tracey) Chebli, Nelly (Alfried) Heidbrink, Hassib Chebli, and Ivanna (John) Sukkar; 12
grandchildren – Tony, Ramsey, Ryan, Vanessa, Gabriella, Emily, Sophia, Christine,
Susanna, Nicolas, Elias and Daniel; and great-grandchildren, Joseph and Madysen. He
is also survived by his siblings Elie (predeceased by Najat) Chebli, Andree (Joseph)
Ade, Mona (George) Balit, Leila (predeceased by Georges) Haddad, and Amal (Adnan)
Ferzli; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents,
Adib and Nellie, and his sister May (predeceased by Abdo) Williams. A memorial
service and celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family
requests that memorial contributions be made in Tony’s memory to Our Lady of
Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church in Coral Gables, FL.
Tony will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him. His legacy of love,
kindness, wisdom, and generosity will continue to inspire and guide those who were
fortunate enough to have crossed his path.
What’s your fondest memory of Tony?
What’s a lesson you learned from Tony?
Share a story where Tony's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Tony you’ll never forget.
How did Tony make you smile?