Jalal "Jerry" Jaleel

It is with great sadness, deep appreciation, and abiding love that the family of Jalal Saadat Jaleel announces his peaceful passing at home in Loudonville, New York, on May 22, 2026. A man of extraordinary intellect, quiet resilience, and unshakeable optimism, Jalal touched every life he entered with warmth, wit, and wisdom. Jalal was born on April 20, 1935, in Ni’lin, a small village near Ramallah, Palestine. After the Nakba, he attended the Friends Boys’ School, a Quaker boarding school now known as Ramallah Friends School, where the seeds of a lifelong love of learning were planted. Upon graduating, he was awarded a scholarship to Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, an experience that would shape him profoundly. His years as a student in 1950s Iowa left an indelible mark: an eternal optimism and a deep, genuine love for the United States of America. Jalal earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry and a Master’s Degree in Economics from Drake University, then went on to complete his Ph.D. in Economics and Urban Planning from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He taught Economics part time at the University at Albany, and it was there that he met the love of his life, Taj Batouk, a Syrian Fulbright Scholarship recipient. They were married in August 1967, and shared 58 years of partnership, laughter, and devotion. His career was a testament to his belief in service and education. From 1978 to 1980, Jalal taught in the Economics Department at Birzeit University in the West Bank, giving back to the land and people he carried in his heart. Upon returning to the United States, he joined the New York State Department of Transportation, where he worked (and shared stock tips with his co-workers) for twenty years before retiring. Those who knew Jalal knew a man who was hardworking, resilient, and steadfast — someone whose optimism and energy were nothing short of contagious. He was always humming or singing Nat King Cole or Perry Como. He could peel a pomegranate better than anyone, and do ridiculous mental math before you could reach for a calculator. He loved St. Pete Beach, good food, reading, and the company of his family. In his final days, it was the stock market that kept his mind nourished and his eyes bright — a fitting tribute to a man who never stopped engaging with the world. Jalal is survived by his beloved wife, Taj; their two children, Dr. Ned Jaleel (Chloe) and Nuhar Jaleel (Timothy Chiplock); and three grandchildren, Makken, Kaden, and Laila, who were his pride and delight. The family extends its deepest gratitude to the exceptional team of caregivers whose compassion and dedication surrounded Jalal in his final chapter: Jamie, Sam, AJ, Raina, Nicole, and Linda. A private ceremony will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to any of the organizations working to support the Palestinian people, including: The Rachel Corrie Foundation HEAL Palestine The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) World Central Kitchen "We have on this earth what makes life worth living." — Mahmoud Darwish 

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