Essy Saedi

Essy Saedi, self-proclaimed “Luckiest Persian Alive,” died at his home on November 23 from cardiorenal syndrome. He was 76. His family was by his side, including his wife Janet, daughters Lorena (Gussi Cisneros) and Tonya, and sister Mehry. Other survivors include his grandsons, Aidan and Kellan Cisneros, his niece Mardi John (Bettie Goldman), and his nephews Ali and Majid Khalilzadeh and Lord Walker (Brittany Sovine).

Essy was well known in the Arlington community through his eponymous restaurant, Essy’s Carriage House, where he always had his regular customers’ drinks waiting on the table before they were seated. Once designated “the most colorful character in Arlington” by a local newspaper, Essy charmed and entertained his customers with his warmth, his story telling, his mixed metaphors and his sometimes inappropriate sense of humor. He told people what to eat, argued with those who wanted something on the side and had little tolerance for special requests. It was a unique business model which continued successfully for 48 years until he and Janet retired in March 2023. He was very proud of the Commendation he received from the Commonwealth of Virginia General Assembly upon his retirement.

Essy loved sports, cats, his sister’s cooking and seven card stud. He enjoyed semi-annual trips to Las Vegas, Sunday night pizza and champagne dinners, and driving sporty cars. But above all, Essy loved family, both his and his in-laws.

The family will hold a private burial. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.