Fariborz Lee Bzorgi

1957 - 2025

Fariborz Lee Bzorgi

Born: December 9, 1957 | Died: August 23, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Fariborz Bzorgi, known affectionately as Lee to all who knew him, on August 23, 2025, at the age of 67. Fariborz was born on December 9, 1957, in Tehran, Iran.

Fariborz often spoke lovingly of his homeland, pre-revolutionary Iran - a country of beautiful landscapes, generous and loving people, and a rich history. He fondly remembered his childhood where he rode horses on the beaches of the Caspian Sea and wrote poetry in lush gardens. From his earliest memories, his curiosity and natural creativity led to his love of designing and building. He immigrated to America at the age of 19 to pursue his dream of becoming a mechanical engineer. Fariborz worked tirelessly toward his engineering degree, while learning English as a second language. After graduating from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, he began his career with Bechtel National, where he helped design and develop robotic devices used to remotely clean up radioactive waste at the Three Mile Island plant. He later moved to East Tennessee, working for Bechtel National and BWXT at the Y-12 Plant in Oak Ridge. During his illustrious 35-year career, Fariborz designed and patented numerous inventions, and received countless awards and recognitions including the 2007 R&D 100 Award. Popular Science magazine published an article about his work entitled "DOE's Gadget Guru".

In 2009, he was invited to the White House as a member of the Renewable Energy Summit Committee, and in 2010 he was honored with the Pathfinder Research Entrepreneur of the Year Award. In his final role, Fariborz served as the Director of the National Security Technology Center at the New Hope Center at Y-12 until his retirement in 2021.

The only thing Fariborz loved more than engineering were his three children and two precious grandchildren - his absolute pride and joy! If you were ever in his presence, he surely inundated you with pictures and stories about each of them. Fariborz had a contagious laugh and clever sense of humor.

Survivors include daughter Devon Troutt (Tyler), Maryville, TN; McKenna Bzorgi (Antwan Avant), Knoxville, TN; and Bronson Bzorgi (Erika Boice), Knoxville, TN; grandchildren Eleanor Jess Troutt and Luca James Bzorgi; mother, Irandokht Bahrami, Tehran, Iran; brother, Kamran Bzorgi, Denmark; and beloved nieces and nephews.

Fariborz was preceded in death by his father, Hassan Moghadam Bozorgi.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. The family wishes to thank all of those who have reached out and shown them so much love during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Parkinson's Foundation at parkinson.org in his memory. Condolences may be shared through Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com