M. Javed Iqbal M.D.

Mohammad Javed Iqbal (May 5, 1941-May 13, 2025) lived an extraordinary life defined by optimism, compassion and love for family. He succumbed to his battle with cancer and passed away peacefully on May 13, 2025 - just a week after celebrating his 84th birthday - surrounded by loved ones and listening to his favorite Beatles songs.
Born in Pakistan to Pir Mohammad Iqbal and Kulsoom Aktar, Javed was one of six siblings raised in the early post- partition years. His father's career as a Station Master for the national railways meant the family moved often, instilling in Javed a deep adaptability and curiosity about the world. Javed completed his schooling at the prestigious PAF Public School of Lower Topa, then a new and highly selective British operated boarding school gifted to the government of Pakistan by the United Kingdom. The school's motto "I will dare" became a lifelong mantra, perfectly capturing Javed's spirit. Javed went on to graduate from Dow Medical College in 1963 before completing his residency in Psychiatry and Neurology at the esteemed Royal Edinburgh Hospital in Scotland. There, he became the first non-Scottish Chief Resident in the program's history-an accomplishment he remained deeply proud of throughout his life.
Dr. Iqbal's medical career spanned more than 60 years and he was a true pioneer in the field of psychiatry across generations. He was a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, a member of the New Jersey Psychiatric Association, and one of the longest-serving members of the American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training Programs, with more than 30 years of service.
Though his professional accomplishments were vast, it was his role as teacher that he cherished most. He mentored over 4,000 medical professionals throughout his storied career and was most proud of his role as the Psychiatry Residency Training Director at Bergen Newbridge Medical Center where he, deservingly, was the first recipient of their Legacy Tribute Award in 2024. He was widely described as an outstanding educator, clinical leader, and source of unwavering support. His ability to lead with humility, clarity, and a deep love for people made him a force in every room he entered.
Personally, Javed's life took a joyous turn when he met his beloved wife of nearly 50 years, Wanda Festini-Iqbal, through work. They married in 1974 and built a beautiful life together in Bergen County, New Jersey, raising their adoring daughter Laila in Cliffside Park and then Ridgewood. Together, they created a home full of love, learning, and laughter. Javed was endlessly proud of his family and delighted in Laila's marriage to Tarek Srouji, and found immeasurable joy in the births of his cherished grandchildren, Julian and Livia.
He was, as so many have said, larger than life-a man of deep intellect, quiet dignity, and open-hearted warmth. A true citizen of the world, Javed formed meaningful friendships across cultures, religions, and backgrounds. He welcomed everyone with sincerity and respect, and those who knew him felt truly seen and valued.
Javed was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Wanda, his parents, siblings Sarfraz, Mansoor, and Zahida, nephews Nauman and Sheeraz and niece Rashida. His legacy continues through his daughter Laila, his son-in-law Tarek, his grandchildren Julian and Livia, his sister-in-law Razia, and his younger brothers Ejaz (with Shahida) and Sajjad (with Fauzia) in addition to many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family around the world who will continue to honor his memory.
His name literally said it all-Javed means "everlasting" and Iqbal means "good fortune." He embodied both. Hopeful, generous, and grateful to the end, he left this world with no regrets-only love.
A graveside service is planned for Thursday, May 15, 2025, noon at Laurel Grove Cemetery, 295 Totowa Road, Totowa, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Wanda & Javed Iqbal may be made in support of the Mass
General Hospital. Checks made payable to Massachusetts General Hospital can be mailed to:
Massachusetts General Hospital
c/o Development Office, Attn: Lauren Dello Russo
125 Nashua Street, Suite 540
Boston, MA 02114
Please write Wanda & Javed Iqbal in the memo section of your check.
Online donations may be made by following these steps:
1. Go to the website giving.massgeneral.org .
2. Select the "Donate" button
3. Enter your payment information
4. In section 3, select "I'd like to designate this gift to a specific program or area."
5. Write "Dr. Maus' research" in the box provided
Arrangements are under the direction of Shook's Cedar Grove Funeral Home, 486 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove, NJ.
Memories and condolences may be shared at shookscedargrove.com