Most people know Steve Jobs as the man who gave the world Apple. But very few people know anything about his real father. His name was Abdulfattah Jandali.
He was not a rich businessman or tech expert. He was a quiet man from Syria who moved to America to follow his dreams. He worked as a teacher and later ran restaurants. Even though he and Steve Jobs never had a close relationship, his story is still very important.
In this article, we’ll take a close look at Abdulfattah Jandali’s life — his early days, his education, his family, and how his choices shaped a story the world never really saw.
Abdulfattah John Jandali Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Abdulfattah John Jandali |
| Known For | Biological father of Steve Jobs |
| Date of Birth | March 15, 1931 |
| Place of Birth | Homs, Syria |
| Nationality | Syrian-American |
| Religion | Sunni Muslim |
| Family Background | Born into a wealthy Syrian family |
| Siblings | Youngest of nine children |
| Education | American University of Beirut; University of Wisconsin–Madison |
| Degrees | Master’s and Ph.D. in Political Science and Economics |
| Ex-Wife | Joanne Schieble |
| Children | Steve Jobs (biological son), Mona Simpson |
| Profession | Professor, hotel and restaurant executive |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1–2 million (estimated) |
Who Was Abdulfattah Jandali
Abdulfattah Jandali was the biological father of Steve Jobs. He was born far away from Silicon Valley, in the Middle East. He did not raise Steve. In fact, the two never even met face-to-face.
But Jandali still played a role in Steve’s story. He was the man who gave him life. His journey from Syria to the United States is a story of courage, hard work, and quiet success.
He lived most of his life in the background. While his son became one of the most famous people in the world, Jandali stayed private and humble.
Abdulfattah’s Early Life
Abdulfattah Jandali was born on March 15, 1931, in Homs, a busy city in Syria. His family was large and strong in tradition. He was the youngest of nine children.
His family was wealthy. They owned land and followed the Sunni Muslim faith. His father was the one who made all the important choices at home. The family believed in hard work, respect, and strict rules.
Even as a child, Jandali showed signs of being smart. He did well in school and wanted to do big things in life. At first, he wanted to become a lawyer. But his father didn’t like that idea. He told Jandali to pick something else.
Even though he gave up on law, he still held on to his dream of learning and going beyond Syria. He had big hopes for the future.
Why Did Abdulfattah Move to Lebanon?
At the age of 18, Jandali left Syria and went to Lebanon. He joined the American University of Beirut, one of the best schools in the region. This was a big step for him.
In Beirut, he studied political science and economics. He also met students from many different places. The city was full of ideas, energy, and people who talked about freedom and change.
Jandali joined student groups that supported Arab pride and independence. Once, he even got arrested for joining a protest. But that didn’t stop him.
Being in Beirut changed how he saw the world. He was still proud of his Syrian roots, but he also became curious about Western ways of thinking. This mix of old and new ideas helped shape who he was.
How Did Abdulfattah Come to America?
In 1952, Jandali moved to the United States. He first lived in New York City with a cousin who worked as a diplomat. This helped him get started in a new country.
He began studying at Columbia University, but later moved to the University of Wisconsin in Madison. There, he worked hard and earned his Master’s degree and later his Ph.D. in Political Science and Economics.
Life in America was not easy. He faced money problems, cultural shocks, and the challenge of learning new ways. But Jandali didn’t give up.
He made new friends, got help from teachers, and stayed focused on his goals. He loved the freedom and chance to build a better life. Step by step, he found his place in this new country.
Abdulfattah Met Joanne Schieble
While studying at the University of Wisconsin, Jandali met a young woman named Joanne Schieble. She was smart and kind. She came from a Catholic family in the Midwest.
They came from two very different worlds. Jandali was a Muslim from Syria. Joanne had German-Swiss roots and followed the Catholic faith. But that didn’t stop them from falling in love.
Joanne’s father didn’t like the relationship. He was not happy about his daughter dating someone from a different religion and background. Things got even harder when Joanne became pregnant in 1954.
Her father was strict. He would not let them get married. This led to a big decision that would change all their lives.
Abdulfattah and Joanne’s Marriage
After Joanne’s father passed away, things changed. Jandali and Joanne got married in the late 1950s. But it was not an easy road.
They had a daughter named Mona Simpson in 1957. Mona would later become a famous writer. But the marriage did not last.
They had problems. They moved around a lot. In 1962, they got divorced. Jandali went back to Syria for a short time. Joanne took Mona and moved to Los Angeles.
Even though they separated, both continued to care about their daughter in their own way.
What Was Jandali’s Life Like After Adoption?
After Steve Jobs was given up for adoption, Abdulfattah Jandali did not get involved in raising him.
Steve was adopted by a couple named Paul and Clara Jobs. They gave him love, support, and a simple life in California. Jandali had no contact with Steve as he grew up. In fact, for many years, Steve did not even know who his birth parents were.
Abdulfattah continued living his life. He focused on his work and personal goals. He did not try to reconnect with Steve during his childhood or teenage years. He believed it was better to stay away.
Later in life, Jandali said he regretted not reaching out to Steve earlier. He wished things had been different, but by then, Steve was already famous and had built his own life.
What Jobs Did Jandali Do?
Abdulfattah Jandali had a long and busy work life. He worked in different jobs throughout his career.
He started by working in education. For a short time, he was a professor. He liked sharing knowledge and helping students learn. But later, he changed his path and moved into the business world.
He worked in the hotel and restaurant industry for many years. One of his well-known jobs was as a vice president at Boomtown Hotel and Casino in Nevada. He worked hard and became very successful in the business.
Jandali enjoyed running restaurants and managing businesses. He liked staying busy and keeping a low profile. Even though he was the biological father of someone very famous, he never wanted fame for himself.
How Did Jandali Feel About Steve Jobs?
Jandali had mixed feelings about Steve Jobs over the years. He often said that he was proud of what Steve achieved.
He told people he didn’t know that the baby he gave up would one day become one of the most famous people in the world. He called it a surprise and a miracle.
In interviews, Jandali said he never wanted anything from Steve. He didn’t want money or attention. He just wanted to shake his hand one day. But that meeting never happened. Steve Jobs never reached out to him.
Jandali said he understood. He believed Steve must have been hurt and didn’t want to open up old wounds. So, he respected Steve’s choice and kept his distance.
Jandali Net Worth
Even though Abdulfattah Jandali never made headlines for his money, he had a stable career and earned well.
He worked in business and hospitality for many years. His work helped him build a comfortable life. He was never poor, but he was also not super rich like Steve Jobs.
His net worth has been estimated to be around $1 million to $2 million. Most of this came from his roles in restaurants and casinos. He lived quietly and never showed off his success.
Jandali never tried to use Steve’s name for fame or fortune. He built his life on his own and stayed out of the spotlight.
Final Thoughts
Abdulfattah Jandali lived a life full of changes. From growing up in Syria, to moving to America, and becoming a businessman — his story is full of big turns.
He gave up his son, Steve Jobs, at birth and never met him again. But he always respected Steve and felt proud of his success. He chose to live a quiet life and didn’t want media attention.
Even though his connection to Steve Jobs made him known to the world, Jandali never chased fame. He stayed private and focused on work, family, and peace.
His story reminds us that life can take different paths. Some choices are hard, but people keep moving forward. Abdulfattah Jandali’s life may be a quiet one, but it is still deeply connected to one of the biggest names in modern history.
FAQs
Where was Abdulfattah Jandali born?
He was born on March 15, 1931, in Homs, Syria. He came from a wealthy family and was the youngest of nine children.
Why did Steve Jobs get adopted?
Steve’s birth parents, Abdulfattah and Joanne Schieble, were not married when he was born. Joanne’s father did not approve of the relationship, so she gave the baby up for adoption.
Was Abdulfattah Jandali married to Steve Jobs’ mother?
Yes, but only after Steve was given up for adoption. They married later and had another child, Mona Simpson, who became a successful writer.
Did Steve Jobs know his father was alive?
Yes. He knew about Jandali but still chose not to meet him. Steve believed his adoptive parents, Paul and Clara Jobs, were his true parents.
Did Abdulfattah Jandali ever speak to the media?
He gave a few interviews, but he mostly stayed private. He never tried to use Steve Jobs’ name for attention or financial gain.
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