Mr. Syed Mohammed Shah

Native of Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. Alumnus of Osmania University. Shah arrived in the United States in 1972 and became an American citizen in 1980. He was a prolific poet in the Ghazal tradition, first published in Hyderabad in 1964. In Chicago, he promoted his native language Urdu, cultural poetry and music as AM Radio Host of "Rangeen Mehfil" from 1981-2002. He published a book of his original poetry entitled Hanste Aansoo or Laughing Tears. He frequently organized and hosted events to feature visiting fellow poets, musicians, actors and dignitaries from India, Nepal and Pakistan. Resident and active community member of Rogers Park and Skokie. Co-founder of the Mahdavia Islamic Center of Chicago (M.I.C.C.) and the Asian Arts Foundation. Shah suffered a severe stroke in 2002 and resided at Lakeshore Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center with complications resulting from stroke until 2016. He died at the age of 69. He is survived by his 10 siblings and their families; his ex-wife Mary K. Shah, their four sons; Zeeshan Shah (Sarah Lasken), Shahzore Shah (Daniel Kodet), Zuber Shah (Sara Shah), Shahbaz Shah (Valerie Stefan); grandchildren Elijah Mathias (age 10), Isaiah Frederick (age 8) and Eliana Eudora (age 1); along with many relatives and friends all around the world. A traditional funeral prayer will be held Tuesday, February 9 at 1:30pm, at the M.I.C.C. 7419 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60645. Interment will follow at Rosehill Cemetery. The family suggests making donations in memoriam at http://www.miccusa.org/.