Rahmat Erfani

Rahmat Erfani, 75, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2025, in Durham, NC, surrounded by his loved ones. Born on September 6th, 1950, in Tehran, Iran, Rahmat was the youngest of four siblings. As a child, he was considerate, thoughtful, and kind-hearted. At 18, he joined the Royal Air Force Academy, beginning a lifelong passion for engineering and aviation. As Baha'is facing religious persecution, he and his family immigrated to the United States in search of a better future.

A devoted member of the Baha'i Faith, Rahmat lived a life rooted in the teachings of unity, kindness, and service to others. He approached every person with sincerity and every challenge with calm resilience. Throughout his life, he served in various voluntary roles within the Baha'i communities he was a part of.

As an engineer, Rahmat was a skilled problem-solver who enjoyed repairing vintage radios, electronics, and various home projects. He was an avid reader, music lover, pianist, and found joy in baking, sharing special moments with his grandchildren.

Rahmat deeply cherished his family, spending countless hours with his grandchildren playing, reading, singing, dancing, and exploring new activities together. He engaged their curiosity, encouraged their creativity, and took joy in teaching them new skills, always with patience, warmth, and love. During his life he shared 49 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Iran, walking a spiritual path together filled with devotion, love, and service.

He is survived by his wife, Iran Ghodsian; his daughter, Elham (Ellie) Erfani-Mali, and her husband, Jimmy; grandchildren, Ella Mona Mali and Maxwell Anis Mali; his brother, Behzad (Ben) Erfany; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Aziz'u'llah Erfani and Shahbagum Yazdani; his brother, Nasrollah Erfani; and sister, Talat Erfani Rafizadeh.

Rahmat leaves a lasting legacy of compassion, integrity, and wisdom. Though his presence will be deeply missed, he has entered the next stage of his spiritual journey, remembered with love by all whose lives he touched.