Hani "Tony" Hawatmeh

Hani was born in Salt, Jordan, where from an early age he showed a bright, curious, and independent spirit.

His journey eventually brought him to the United States, and it didn’t take long before he found a place that truly felt like home. After arriving in California in the 1970s, Hani settled in La Jolla—a place he loved deeply and spoke about often. From the moment he stepped onto its shores, he became, in every sense, a La Jolla boy. He loved its beaches, its energy, and—always with a smile—the “mermaids” who frequented them. He often reminisced about his early days there, including his first job at Safeway and the many people he met along the way. As a young man in Southern California in the 1970s, life was full of adventure, freedom, and good times—and Hani embraced all of it wholeheartedly.

Adventure was part of who he was. Before fully settling in California, Hani hitchhiked through Europe with his wife at the time, carrying little more than a few dollars and a leather jacket for warmth. That journey reflected his courage, his charm, and his remarkable ability to connect with people wherever he went—qualities that stayed with him throughout his life.

In San Diego, Hani built a life defined by creativity and a deep appreciation for beauty in all its forms. He worked as an interior designer, a profession that suited him perfectly—not only because of his talent, but because of the way he saw the world. He was also one of the best negotiators and salespeople many of us ever encountered.

Hani’s love of beauty extended far beyond his work. He found joy in traveling, painting and decorating, gardening and nurturing life, and in the simple rituals that brought meaning to everyday moments—a good cup of coffee or a glass of cognac shared with friends. He loved conversation, especially the kind that unfolded slowly, lingered into the night, and left everyone feeling more connected than before.

Hani lived life fully, often as if each day were his last. He made friends wherever he went and lived by the belief that family always comes first. He was a devoted father, a loving brother, a caring uncle, and a loyal friend.

He was also a man of passions. Hani loved classic films such as The Godfather, Scarface, and Lawrence of Arabia. He enjoyed 70s rock and roll, followed boxing closely, and spent countless hours reading and reflecting on political, religious, and social topics. He was endlessly curious and always ready for a thoughtful discussion or debate.

To those who knew him well, Hani—Tony—will always be remembered as a brother, a friend, and an exceptional conversationalist. He had a way of making people feel comfortable, welcomed, and seen. His generosity was often quiet, but constant, expressed through his time, his listening, and his care for others.

Today, we grieve his absence deeply, but we also give thanks for the life he lived and the love he shared. We remember him with sorrow, but also with gratitude—for the beauty he created, the moments he enriched, and the relationships he cherished.

May God grant him eternal peace, and may He comfort the hearts of all who loved him, reminding us of the hope of the Resurrection and the life everlasting.

May his memory be eternal.