Ezatolah Nadershahi

Ezatolah Nadershahi, known to everyone as "Papa" passed peacefully on April 17, 2012. Devoted husband, loving father and proud grandfather, he is and always will be missed by those who were lucky enough to have been his family or his friend.

Papa was born in the city of Kermanshah in Iran, on October 23, 1926. Papa's strength and character were shaped in his early years while overcoming incredible hardship and by facing and defeating all the challenges that came his way.

Papa was a spiritual man with a loving heart and was exceedingly generous to anyone who needed his help. He was a brave young man, a risk taker who exhibited a keen sense of entrepreneurship in his teenage years.

At the age of 24, Papa was to meet the love of the rest of his life, Heshmat, and together they built a life and became loving parents to six children and proud grandparents to many grandchildren.

In Iran, Papa started many businesses and was known to all as a very fair man and his wisdom and counsel was sought out to settle many disputes in the community. In his pharmacy business, Papa was known to never charge those who couldn't afford to pay. He also owned and operated the largest dry cleaning plant in the southern Middle East. His business partnerships allowed him to open the first European style buffet restaurant chain in Tehran.

Unfortunately, the changing political climate in his beloved Iran forced him to move his family to the United States in the 1970's. Once there, Papa quickly established himself as a productive and valued member of his newly adopted country. At the same time he oversaw the continuing education of not only his children but any member of his family in need of his help and guidance.

As Papa's life progressed, he watched in pride as his children began their careers and building families of their own. Instilled with the values that Papa passed on to them, his children and grandchildren never ceased to fill Papa with intense joy. He also doted incessantly on his lovely wife and was never happier than when the family and a few pets were around him at home for holidays, parties and meals. His keen wit, infectious smile and joyful laugh had the power to draw all those around him into his happiness.

Papa's legacy is that of a man who overcame great obstacles, never losing sight of his desire to be a loving husband, a wonderful caring father and grandfather and of at all times teaching everyone around him to be generous in both spirit and action and that as long as your family is around you there is nothing that you can't overcome together.

We will miss you Papa.