David H Mehrara

David was born in Hamadan, Iran in 1932. He was the second youngest in a family of 8. His father, Menachem, owned a small store and provided for his family with David’s mother, Tova. The entire family lived in a one-bedroom house with no running water in a region of Iran known for its long winters, harsh conditions, and antisemitism.

After graduating high school, David taught Hebrew and math to save money and emigrated to Israel where he worked in construction and in a Kibbutz. He returned back to Iran to help his ailing father and provide for his family, and they relocated to Tehran.

Working tirelessly for many years, and after facing innumerable obstacles, David and his brothers built a factory manufacturing plastic and foam products. David used his ingenuity, imagination, street smarts, and drive to build a successful business. Over the years, in the lean times following World War II, he navigated the complicated local politics and imported technology from Europe. Driving across Europe in a small used car, he brought obsolete equipment to his factory and, using trial and error, repaired and improved this equipment to create a functional and productive factory. As a result, despite having no formal degree, most of his friends referred to him as “Aga Mohandess” (Mr. Engineer).

He met the love of his life, Jila, in Tehran and, after a brief engagement, they married in 1962. Their first son, Arman, was born in 1964 followed by 2 other sons, Babak and Sasan. After years of struggle and countless hours of work, his factory was highly successful, and he lived a quiet comfortable life with his family and friends. However, his world was suddenly turned upside down with the Iranian Revolution in 1978. Worried about the political unrest, David brought his family for a vacation in the United States to visit Jila’s family who had recently immigrated. The two-week visit turned into a 44-year stay as David was forced to leave most of his possessions and wealth behind in Iran and apply for political asylum after the Iranian revolution.

David was forced to reinvent himself again at the age of 46 in a foreign land in which he did not speak the language, know the customs, or have any connections. Most people would have quit and lived a life of regrets and could-have-beens. David did not. He dedicated himself to his new country, quickly learning the language and taking classes in a variety of areas to begin a new life. He started several businesses—some successful, others not. Despite the ups and downs, he never quit and pursued a relentless goal of making life better for his children. He eventually found his footing and became a proud naturalized US citizen. He put his children through college and professional school all the while sacrificing his own comfort with no complaints or regrets. He was always proud of his children and lived vicariously through their accomplishments.

After his “semi” retirement (he never really retired, just relocated his office to the house much to the chagrin of our mother!) he traveled the world with Jila and a close circle of friends. They loved cruises, tours, and visiting faraway places. He lived life to the fullest often getting together with his friends for backgammon, cards, or just a few laughs. David had a sharp wit and a fantastic sense of humor that endeared him to his friends and provided them with many memories and stories.

David’s greatest love, however, was his 9 grandchildren. He doted on the kids who all referred to him as Babajoon—the familiar term for grandfather in Farsi. He attended every dance, every soccer game, every graduation, every bar/bat mitzvah, and never grew tired of having the children around him or on his lap. In turn, his grand kids loved him fiercely and surrounded him on his last day taking turns remembering the funny times and the things they loved most about David.

David is survived by his loving wife Jila, his 3 sons Arman (Clemencia), Babak (Nirit), and Sasan (Kim), his 9 grandchildren Maya, Jonathan, Michelle, Lauren, Ellie, Leyla, Noah, Jessica, and Gabby, his brother Morad, and his sister Mehri.

Services will be held at the Riverside Nassau North Chapel in Great Neck on Sunday, January 7, 2023. Shiva on Tuesday and Wednesday will be from 6-8 at the family residence (1 Shore Drive, Kings Point NY) and the memorial will be Thursday 7-830 at Temple Israel in Great Neck.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.riversidenassaunorthchapels.com for the Mehrara family.