Albert Nissim Farhy
May 15, 1929 - June 19, 2026

ALBERT NISSIM FARHY: The ever-resilient Albert Nissim Farhy of Squirrel Hill, PA passed away on June 19, 2026, after battling numerous age-related challenges. He was 97.

A middle child born on May 15, 1929, in Sofia, Bulgaria, Albert was an academically-minded individual who loved learning and science of all kinds. He spoke 5 languages. His love of classical music, which began in Bulgaria, followed him all the way to Pittsburgh's Heinz Hall, where he often enjoyed concerts.

Albert, his parents (Nissim and Carolina), and his brothers (Moise / Michael and David) lived in Sofia, Bulgaria, until May 1943, when the Bulgarian government ordered the deportation of Jews from the capital. Albert and his family were deported by train to Pleven, and later relocated to Shumen to be with extended family, where they remained until the end of the war. Albert frequently expressed deep appreciation to the Bulgarian government and people for protecting the lives of Bulgarian Jews.

As one could understand from the way Albert spoke of his wartime experiences, he had a quintessentially positive perspective that defined his life. While it would have been easy for anyone in his circumstances to be disillusioned by what he had lost or felt was unjust, Albert consistently spoke of gratitude and the ability to find happiness even in dire circumstances.

After WWII, Albert left Bulgaria as one of the first immigrants in the newly-created State of Israel. Soon after, the rest of his family joined him there. He studied chemistry at the Technion in Haifa. Afterwards, he was one of the original researchers on the polio vaccine and later worked as a food chemist.

Ever the caring and diligent big brother, Albert emigrated to California at his brother Michael's request.

While in California, he met and married Elinor Sussle, and the couple had two children, Carolyn and Nolan. Albert and his family later relocated to Pittsburgh which remained his home for nearly 50 years. Most of his career he was a chemist but he also taught science at Pittsburgh Public high schools and he was a committee person for Squirrell Hill area of Pittsburgh during the 90's.

In Pittsburgh, he often lectured at schools, synagogues and churches on his experiences during WWII and being a Holocaust survivor, and would display his yellow Star of David. Many of these talks and interviews can be viewed online on YouTube and at the US Holocaust Museum and its website.

Albert became a living voice for the struggles of war, sharing his meticulously detailed first-hand account through the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Holocaust Center Pittsburgh, the National Catholic Center for Holocaust Education, Seton Hill University, and other universities, churches and schools. He fought against hate and always told people not to argue. When he wasn't on the speaking circuit, he conducted copious research on the most beneficial herbs and natural supplements - and clearly he knew what he was doing, since he enjoyed a high quality of life until age 97. He believed in the philosophy of "letting food be your medicine." He was also a long-time member of The Ramblers walking group for over 20 years, and thoroughly appreciated a stroll through Costco, Aldi or the Dollar Store until his final days.

Of all the degrees and honors he earned, Albert was most enthusiastic about the title of Grandpa-a role he gleefully embraced for his grandson, Eitan, and for his grandnephew Calvin and grandniece Sabrina, whom he loved as his own grandchildren. As much as he enjoyed being in their company, he especially cherished sharing his love of reading and music with them, often taking them to the bookstore in search of their next great read.

Albert is survived by his daughter, Carolyn Farhy; his son, Nolan Farhy; his grandson, Eitan Farhy; Calvin Farhi and Sabrina Farhi, whom he cherished as grandchildren; his nephew, Brian Farhi, and Brian's wife, Dawn; Christina Farhy, mother of Eitan; and Elinor Sussle, the mother of his children. He also leaves behind his dear friend, Kathleen Pennock, and countless friends and acquaintances whose lives he touched.

Albert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rose Marie Farhy, and his friend, Johanna Carlisle. He now rejoins them in eternal rest.

The family welcomes you to celebrate his life with a service at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 11 AM. Visitation one hour prior to service (10 AM - 11 AM). Interment Beth Abraham Cemetery. Those who cannot attend in person are welcome to use the zoom link (https://www.shiva.com/zsdqbnyt).

Donations in Albert's name are warmly received to any of the following charities he supported, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh, Hillel Pittsburgh at University of Pittsburgh, Nature Conservancy, Doctors Without Borders. www.schugar.com

Condolences

Rest in peace, Albert. Thank you for your service to humanity and for all that you have done for the Jewish people 🙏♥️