Mohammad Taghi Naemi

Mohammad Taghi Naemi (Papa), 89, passed away peacefully in his Saint Louis home on the morning of Wednesday, February 19, 2025. 

Born on September 30, 1935, in Tabriz, Iran, Mohammad’s life was defined by an incredible work ethic and a deep, innate desire to help others - whether family, friends, or strangers. As the youngest of nine children, he began working full-time at the age of 14, laying the foundation for a lifetime of hard work and selflessness. 

Mohammad married his wife of 66 years, Jamileh Paprooschi, in 1959. Together they moved to Tehran, Iran in 1964, bringing with them the several businesses he was involved in. Once there, Mohammad also opened one of the first sugar cube factories in Iran. Tehran was also where Mohammad and Jamileh raised their three sons - Hossein (who passed away in 2001), Naghi and Alireza - as well as one daughter, Maryam. 

However, it was in 1984 that Mohammad made one of the most defining decisions of his life. At the age of 49, he and Jamileh left behind everything they had built in Iran to allow their children to pursue better opportunities in the United States. They settled in Saint Louis, Missouri, where Mohammad began a new chapter. He took a leap of faith with a new business venture - Subway. Over the years, Mohammad came to own and operate five Subway stores, and he and his family took on leadership roles in Subway Development across Missouri and Illinois, overseeing more than 400 stores. Mohammad’s work life spanned 73 years, concluding in 2022 when he sold his stores and retired. 

Above all, Mohammad was a family man. Devoted to always keeping his loved ones close, gatherings at Mohammad and Jamileh’s house were a frequent occurrence. Mohammad delighted in grilling kabobs for everyone, while Jamileh prepared traditional Persian dishes to bring the family together. 

Mohammad believed that life should be lived with good intentions, and that through selflessness and love, good things would come to those around you. His generosity, kindness, and hard work left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Jamileh; his children and their spouses; numerous nieces and nephews; and his seven grandchildren: Sonya, Kamran, Kaivon, Neema, Naveed, Nadia, and Omeed, in order of oldest to youngest. All those who were touched by Mohammad’s presence strive to live by the values he embodied. 

Though we mourn his passing, we take comfort in knowing that he is now reunited with his beloved son, Hossein.