Hossein Tabatabai's Obituary
Hossein Tabatabai was born on September 11, 1936 in Mashad, Iran. The fourth of five children growing up in a modest third-world household, he learned the value of hard work and sacrifice at a young age. He excelled in school, obtaining his degree in Chemistry from the University of Stuttgart in Germany. He returned to Iran to start his career and a family, but after the 1979 Iranian revolution, his country at war, he decided to leave behind everything he had worked so hard for and emigrate with his family to the United States, to preserve their way of life and ensure their safety. His son was to be drafted into the army and would likely have been one of the 95,000 Iranian child soldiers killed in the war.After opening a gas station and truck rental business in Aptos, CA, he worked tirelessly for years to ensure that his family lived a comfortable life. After retirement he lived in Belmont and also with his daughter’s family in Half Moon Bay, but frequently made trips back to Iran to help support the extended family that he was forced to leave behind. In his free time he enjoyed bike riding, gardening, and long walks. By his friends, he will be remembered for his dapper style, sage advice, and delicious kabobs. To his family, he will be remembered for his inspiring work ethic, tireless dedication, selfless sacrifices, and unconditional love and support.He took great pride in the success of his children and grandchildren, and he supported them generously. His eldest daughter received her college degree from San Francisco State University and his eldest grandchild started at Stanford University last fall. Hossein Tabatabai passed away peacefully on April 10, 2018, surrounded by loved ones. He is survived by his son Shahram Tabatabai, his daughters Yasaman Tabatabai and Shahrzad Pantera, his son-in-law Paul Pantera, and his six grandchildren Cyrus Tabatabai, Darius Tabatabai, Samantha Tabatabai, Roxanna Tabatabai, Andrew Pantera, and David Pantera. He will be missed but never forgotten, serving as a role model for the generations he inspired.
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