Khosrow Hadi Youssefi

1943 - 2018

Khosrow Hadi Youssefi

Phoenix - Khosrow (Joe) Hadi Youssefi was born on July 28, 1943 in Tehran, Iran. He passed away unexpectedly on August 27, 2018 in Show Low, AZ, where he often spent summers away from his home in Phoenix to beat the heat. His time came as he was doing one of things he loved best, working on his award-winning Iranian stamp collection.

Joe grew up in Tehran and moved to the United States alone at the age of 17 to attend MIT. As a new arrival in the U.S. he realized that his limited budget wouldn't support his original plan and, after applying to multiple colleges late in the summer of 1960, he chose the first college that accepted him, the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and never looked back. It was after a long bus ride from NYC to Lincoln that Joe made his first mark on America: the first perfect score by anyone on the Math SAT. Joe received both Bachelors and Maters degrees in Electrical Engineering, and he was a proud member of his engineering fraternity as well as a life-long fan of Cornhusker football. It was at UNL that he met his future wife, Carol Sue Hall.

The couple moved to Phoenix in 1965 when Joe secured a position with Sperry Flight Systems. Joe worked for the same company (later known as Honeywell Flight Systems) for his entire career, until he retired in 2001. Joe was a beloved leader, manager, and mentor to many at Honeywell. His career accomplishments were many, including the development of windshear detection systems and numerous associated patents for commercial aircraft. He was very fortunate to travel widely and make friends around the globe while at Honeywell. His colleagues and friends will also remember him and Carol for their "famous" annual Christmas party.

Despite his commitment to his work, Joe was also the epitome of a "hands-on" Dad to his two children. He acted as teacher, confidante, friend, and soccer coach, amongst many other things, to his children over the years. In fact, Joe was one of the biggest figures in the development of organized youth soccer in Arizona in the 1980's, and he was a proud founding member of Sereno soccer club.

After his kids were married and Carol passed away, Joe returned to one of his favorite hobbies from his younger years - stamp collecting. He handled his evolving stamp collection like he did all things in life - with complete devotion. Joe returned to his roots by specializing in stamps from Iran that beautifully wove together a historical picture of a country that few are familiar with. His displays were unique and won Grand prizes at competitions around the world.

Joe's mark on his family, his friends, and his community is indelible. He was a kind, funny, generous and charming character who will be deeply missed. He is preceded in death by his father Hadi Youssefi, his mother Iran Youssefi, and his wife of 43 years, Carol Sue Hall Youssefi. He is survived by his brother Farhad Youssefi, his sister Hoori Youssefi, his son David Youssefi, Esq. (Debbie), his daughter Sarah Youssefi Estrada M.D. (Carlos), his grandchildren Carlos David, Lucy and Eloise, his nephew and niece Drs. Peyman and Viedra Elison, and his girlfriend Kitty Christensen.

Services were previously held in Falls City, Nebraska. Joe was laid to rest next to his late wife at Prairie Union Cemetery in Shubert, NE. A Celebration of Life will be held at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, AZ on September 22nd, 2018 at 5:30 pm. We would love to see his many friends and share stories. Donations in honor of Joe can be made to the Carol Hall Youssefi Memorial Scholarship addressed to: Xavier Foundation, Inc. at 4710 N. 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85012.