***DUE TO THE SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS, MR. BANNURA'S FUNERAL WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY BEGINNING WITH CALLING HOURS AT 12:30PM AND THE SERVICE AT 1:00PM AT THE FAITH ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH.***

Khalil B. Bannura, 78, a resident of the Hudson Valley since 1967 and formerly of Palestine died on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on November 21, 1931 in Bethlehem, Palestine, he was the son of Bishara and Katrina Hawari Bannura.  He was a proud University of Texas Austin graduate in 1958 and later employed as a chemical engineer and manager for IBM, East Fishkill for over 25 years until his retirement in 1992. Khalil later embarked on a few entrepreneurial ventures that exercised his passion for cooking and helping the people of his homeland. He showed his love and blessed so many people with his delicious cooking and Mediterranean dishes.

Khalil was a faithful servant to the Lord as member of the Faith Assembly of God Church in Poughkeepsie and was very involved in the local religious community including a founding member of a few churches in the Hudson Valley.  Khalil deeply studied, taught and followed the Word of God. For years, Khalil volunteered his time ministering to many including prisoners and those who were sick in the hospital.  He truly was a man of God and respected by many. He was the proud “Opa” to his grandchildren, who brought big smiles to his face and filled his heart with joy and love.

On June 11, 1961 in Bethlehem, he married Dagmar Schmidt who survives at home.  He is also survived by his son Ramzi K. Bannura of Annapolis, MD; his daughter, Tania Cohen and her husband Robert of East Fishkill; and his grandchildren, Nadia Kemp, Aidan and Aaron Cohen. He was predeceased by his son Imad “Kurt” Bannura in 1986.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude for the exceptional care and compassion given over the years to Khalil by all the doctors and nurses of Vassar Brothers Medical Center, especially during his final days.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 2 to 4pm and 7 to 9pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Funeral Service will be held on Friday at noon (12:00pm) at the Faith Assembly of God Church, 254 Spackenkill Road, Poughkeepsie followed by interment in Fishkill Rural Cemetery.