Vahid Shariatzadeh

With full hearts, the family of Vahid Shariatzadeh announces his passing on November 2, 2025, in Houston, Texas. He was a beloved partner, father, friend, mentor, and trusted advisor to many. Born in Tehran, Iran, on February 24, 1950, Vahid was the very embodiment of the American Dream: a young immigrant full of grit and ambition, who built a life based on excellence, generosity, and service to others. Before his decades of success as an accountant, he began his life with an accomplished career in the arts. He graduated from the University of Tehran with a B.S. in 19th Century American Literature and a minor in Piano. For the first ten years of his adult life, he was the drummer of a popular band in Iran and went on tour to lands as far away as the United States. After arriving in the United States in 1978 to pursue excellence in a new career, he went on to complete an M.S. in Accounting at the University of Oklahoma, graduating at the top of his class.

His professional journey spanned over four decades. He started as an accountant, advanced to managing partner roles, and worked as an independent CPA before establishing Vahid Shariatzadeh LLP in 1984. From his Houston office, he led the firm as president and owner, providing services to families, physicians, lawyers, and closely held businesses in accounting, tax, financial and retirement planning, consulting, and auditing. He held his credentials, including CPA, Certified Financial Planner, and Chartered Global Management Accountant, not as symbols of achievement but as commitments to be current, careful, ethical, and kind.

A committed professional citizen, Vahid was active in accounting and financial-planning organizations, including the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Texas Association of Public Accountants. Early in his career he received an award from the National Association of Accountants, which he cherished as proof that gratitude and steady effort open doors. He was invited to serve as a visiting lecturer at the University of Houston Law Center, underscoring his commitment to higher education. Over the years, the respect of his clients was reflected in their entrusting him to serve as trustee for several families, guiding across generations with discretion and care.

Beyond his practice, Vahid poured himself into community and education. He served on a parent leadership board for Emory University, welcoming new families and championing opportunities that bridged cultures. He donated to multiple of Tehran’s poorest school districts and led efforts to bring education technology to Tehran’s most underserved schoolchildren. He remained steadfast in using his successes to help give others a chance at pursuing a better life.

Vahid believed life’s joys should be shared. An avid tennis player and long-time member of the Houstonian Club, he was known for sportsmanship and perseverance. He was a devoted son who called his elderly mother every day, a small ritual that spoke volumes about his loyalty and heart.

Those who knew Vahid remember a constellation of virtues: integrity, steadiness, generosity, and joy. He had the courage to travel far and become a river for others: life-giving, dependable, and kind. He returned calls late, double-checked numbers early, and never missed a chance to show generosity and love to all those who were privileged to have known him. Many of his oldest and dearest friends credit their success to his steady counsel.

Vahid is survived by his beloved son, Nima; his mother, Afsar Karimi; and his brothers, Majid and Rashid. He was predeceased by his father, Morteza, and his brother, Saeed.

A funeral will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at 1pm at Memorial Oaks Cemetery (13001 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX, 77079). A memorial will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at 3pm at the Houstonian Hotel (111 N Post Oak Ln, Houston, TX, 77024). In holding with Vahid’s warm and loving spirit, all are invited to attend.