Fereidoon Morabbi

On Saturday, March 31st, 2018, Fereidoon Morabbi left this world unexpectedly. He was affectionately known to his family as “pedarjoon,” which literally translates to “father dear.”

When he met his wife, Monir, she was an 8-year-old girl with pigtails standing at his front door. “Is Fahtie there?” she asked shyly. Monir’s best friend was Fereidoon’s sister Fahtie. For several years, the two girls delighted in turning his room upside down when he was not home. They would later marry in 1961 when Monir was 20 and Fereidoon was 28. Later, during disagreements to break the tension, Fereidoon would tease Monir, pretending he had pigtails and asking, “Is Fahtie there?”

After beginning medical school, he soon realized that the sight of blood was not for him. He quickly enrolled in the police academy instead, and eventually earned his Master’s degree. As a police officer, he diffused bombs and even rode a motorcycle as part of the Queen of Iran’s security detail. Later in his career, he became a Colonel, and finally the Chief of the Internal Affairs Bureau. He moved to the United States with his wife in the 1990s to live closer to his children, but continued to visit Iran regularly to spend time with friends and family.

He was a man who loved entertaining and being surrounded by family in his home, his deep laugh rippling through any room he occupied. He loved grilling kabobs over an open flame for family and friends to enjoy, and was quite skilled at reciting poetry. Only rarely was anyone able to beat him at his favorite games, Backgammon or Hookm. His clothing and grooming were very important to him. He nurtured plants with ease and enjoyed spending time in his gardens, particularly while smoking his pipe. His kindness and gentleness, especially toward young children and animals, were noticed by all – he looked for ways to help others and spread joy in daily life. His hands built with an eye towards perfection - everything from birdcages, shelving, garden boxes, and benches, to the plumbing for a heating system and his granddaughter’s sofreh aghd; this passion to create has now passed on to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Fereidoon is survived by his wife, Monir; his two sisters Fahtie and Heideh; his three children Mitra, Mercedeh, and Mehrdad; his eight grandchildren Suzie, Katie, Sherwin, Sina, Nima, Tina, Sydney, and Oliver; and his two great-grandchildren Austin and Sonia.

He is preceded in death by his parents Hossain and Tooran, his sister Meimanat, and his great-granddaughter Caroline.

Fereidoon lived a rich and wonderful life and will be deeply missed by his family. In lieu of cut flowers, please consider donating potted flowers that may be planted in a memorial garden for him, in remembrance of his love of gardening.

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