Abdulfattah Jandali, the Syrian immigrant who settled in the United States in the mid-1950s, is a man whose life story intertwines with the legacy of one of the most iconic figures in technology—Steve Jobs. While Jobs' journey is well-documented, the story of his biological father, Jandali, remains relatively unknown to many. From the complexities of his personal life to his successful career, this article explores the life of Abdulfattah Jandali and the unique connection he shares with the co-founder of Apple.

Childhood & Early Life:

Abdulfattah Jandali was born on March 15, 1931, in Homs, Syria, to a self-made millionaire father and a homemaker mother. His academic journey led him to the American University of Beirut, where he became an activist, even spending time in prison for his beliefs. Eventually, he moved to the United States, attending Columbia University and later earning a Ph.D. in Economics and Political Sciences from Wisconsin University.

Jandali's life took a turn when he began dating Joanne Carol Schieble, a German-Swiss Catholic, at Wisconsin University. Despite opposition from Schieble's parents, the two continued their relationship, resulting in her pregnancy. Schieble, fearing her parents' disapproval, gave birth to a baby boy in San Francisco, who was later adopted by a couple and would go on to become Steve Jobs.

Career:

Following his education, Jandali faced financial difficulties, prompting his return to Syria. His initial pursuit of a career in the diplomatic corps did not materialize, leading him to work as the director of an oil refinery in Homs. He returned to the United States in 1962, working as an assistant professor at Michigan University and later at Nevada University. Jandali transitioned to the restaurant business, eventually becoming the Vice Chairman of Boomtown Casino Hotel in Nevada.

Family & Personal Life:

Jandali's personal life is marked by a series of events that influenced his relationships. After Schieble gave up their first-born child for adoption, they married in 1955 and had a daughter named Mona. However, when Jandali returned to Syria in search of employment, the relationship strained, leading to a divorce in 1962. Schieble subsequently married George Simpson.

Jandali, a non-practicing Muslim, expressed a desire to raise his son, Steve Jobs, in a friendly environment. Despite the unintentional separation, he never intended to give up his son for adoption. Jandali's daughter, Mona Simpson, went on to become a celebrated novelist.

Later Years:

In 2006, Abdulfattah Jandali married Roscille Colburn-Jandali. His journey from Syria to the United States, academia to the casino industry, and the complexities of his personal life make Jandali's story a compelling chapter in the broader narrative of the Jobs family.

Conclusion:

Abdulfattah Jandali's life, though not as widely recognized as that of his famous son, Steve Jobs, is a story of resilience, career diversity, and complex family dynamics. Jandali's journey from Syria to the United States, his academic pursuits, and his successful career showcase a man whose life unfolded in intriguing ways. The unique connection he shares with Steve Jobs adds a layer of depth to the broader understanding of the Apple co-founder's roots.