John A. Habra

Dr. John A. Habra, MD

August 12, 1935 – May 9, 2026

It is with deep sorrow and profound love we inform you that Dr. John A. Habra, MD of Tucson, AZ was welcomed into Eternal Life at 90 years of age.

Born on August 12, 1935, in Safad, Palestine, John is the son of Antoine and Paule (Barakat) Habra. Being the eldest of five children (John, Farouk, Nabil, Marcelle, Corinne), John was the patriarch of the Habra family. When offered the chance to immigrate in 1959, John put the immigration papers in the name of his father so the entire family would have the opportunity to be welcomed into the U.S. Sending his younger brother first in March 1960, John finished university, passed his medical exams, and joined his brother in June. He then sponsored his parents and siblings as they immigrated and became citizens over the years. They were only the beginning of the many friends & extended family members John would go on to sponsor for immigration. John became a naturalized citizen in November 1965 and remained a patriotic American with deep appreciation for his Arab culture and roots.

John married the love of his life, Carol (Hlinka), in 1965 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Grand Ledge, MI. John took every chance he could to travel with his beloved wife and show her new countries, cultures, and sites around the world. Together they raised 5 children, Anthony (Kimberly), Theresa, Michelle, Nicole, and Mark (Jennifer). He taught them the value of hard work, integrity, and family. He always reminded them the importance of an education, saying “your education is the one thing no one can ever take away from you.” John later became the proud grandfather to 19 grandchildren. He took very seriously his commitment to provide for his family, act as their steadfast rock of support, and lead them on the path to Heaven.

Professionally, John worked as a gifted orthopedic surgeon. During the national senior year examinations at his secondary school (De La Salle Christian Brothers School), John achieved the third highest test scores in all of Egypt. This earned him a full scholarship to the University of Cairo Medical School where he completed his medical education. Degree in hand, John immigrated to the United States to complete his residency in Grand Rapids, MI, at St. Mary’s Hospital. He then began full-time as a surgeon at St. Lawrence and Sparrow Hospitals in Lansing, MI. Throughout his time in Michigan, John held esteemed positions such as Chief of Staff at both St. Lawrence and Sparrow, and Chief of Orthopedics at St. Lawrence. Starting in 1966, John had the unique opportunity to grow his medical knowledge even more throughout his time as a Captain in the United States Army, with deployment to Vietnam in 1966-1967. As an immigrant & naturalized citizen, John was incredibly proud of his military service and performed his duty to the United States with humility & honor. After his time in the Army, John and Carol moved their family to Tucson, AZ where they opened a private orthopedic practice based at St. Mary’s Hospital. His practice remained a staple in the area for more than 40 years and provided countless low/no cost surgeries and medical services to those in need in the community. He quickly rose to Chief of Orthopedics at St. Mary’s, held membership to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the Tucson Medical Society, the Arizona Medical Society, the Western Orthopedic Association, and was a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons since 1971. His occupation was an integral part of who he was; he woke up every day excited to learn, treat, and care for his fellow man. John retired at Northwest Hospital after a distinguished career of more than 55 years as an orthopedic surgeon.

John remained an active member of his community until the end of his life. As a devoted Catholic, John had a hand in the founding of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Tucson, AZ. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem. John had a special devotion to Our Lady the Blessed Mother and devoted much of his life in prayer and honor of Her.

John is survived by his loving wife Carol, his children and grandchildren, and a wide circle of extended family & friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Antoine & Paule, daughter Michelle, grandson Dylan, brother Farouk, and sister Marcelle.

The Rosary service will be at Brings Broadway Chapel (6910 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85710) on June 19 (6 PM). The Funeral Mass will be at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Parish (5150 N Valley View Rd, Tucson, AZ 85718) on June 20 (10 AM). For those unable to attend in person, it will be livestreamed at https://youtube.com/live/j-6XpqFQuIk?feature=share

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Mercy Ships (https://www.mercyships.org)or Ronald McDonald House of Tucson (https://www.rmhctucson.org) in John’s honor.