Ali Aliyari

Ali Aliyari, also known as Elijah, was born on August 24th, 1993 (Shahrivar 2nd, 1372) at 1:10pm in Tabriz, Iran. He was a remarkable individual who touched the lives of many with his love, grace, humility, and excellent sense of humor. He was truly a genius in every sense of the word and left this world better than he found it.

From a young age, Ali showcased his exceptional intellect and passion for knowledge. He was a child prodigy and achieved extraordinary feats in the field of astronomy and astrophysics. At just 15 years old, he won the gold national medal for the Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad, followed by a silver international medal. His talent and dedication were unparalleled.

Although Ali pursued electrical engineering at Sharif University of Technology, his true passion resided in biology and making the world a better place. He embarked on a three-month genetics internship in Hong Kong, immersing himself in the study of life's intricate building blocks. In 2016, he came to the United States to pursue a PhD in cancer genetics at UC Davis. Later, he transitioned to Columbia University's Integrated Program in Cellular, Molecular, and Biomedical Studies, where he was a PhD candidate at the time of his passing.

Ali was cherished and adored by his professors, colleagues, friends, and family. His charming personality, kindness, and the beauty of his soul left an indelible mark on those who had the privilege of knowing him. He was deeply loved and respected for his intellect, humility, and unwavering dedication to his scientific pursuits.

Beyond his academic achievements, Ali was a gifted musician. Inspired by Metallica, he began learning the electric guitar in high school, and his talent was immediately evident. He graced university stages with his captivating performances and composed original music that resonated with the hearts of anyone lucky enough to hear it.

Ali's love for his family was immeasurable. He shared a special bond with his younger sister, Leili, who considered him her best friend through thick and thin. His parents, Noushin and Farhad, held Ali dear in their hearts and will forever cherish the memories they created together. The family is determined to keep his memory alive and celebrate his life forever.

On April 28th, Ali "Elijah" Aliyari departed from this world, leaving behind a legacy of brilliance, compassion, and creativity. His extraordinary mind, gentle spirit, and immense contributions to science and music will forever be remembered. The world is a much worse place without him.

We bid farewell to him with heavy hearts, but his memory will continue to inspire us. In his honor, let us carry forward the values he embodied-love, kindness, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. Rest in peace, dear Ali, as you embark on a new cosmic journey, forever shining among the stars. He will never truly leave us.

Funeral Service: Sunday May 21st at 2pm - Peter Jarema Funeral Home

Burial Site: Rosedale Cemetary, Montclair, NJ