Joseph Fathi Seyson

Sayad, also known as Joseph, Fathi Seyson, passed away suddenly on 13 November 2023. His life started in 1935 in the Azerbaijan province in Iran, during a time when the world was going through all sorts of turmoil. Those early years gave Joseph a unique perspective on the world. He was never one to just follow the crowd; he had a knack for questioning authority, making him a person of independent thought and principled conviction.

His love of learning, coupled with his deep appreciation for technological progress, made education a cherished pursuit for him. Nevertheless, life had different intentions. He faced hardships early on, losing his mom when he was just four years old, a pain that stayed with him forever. Later, he left his hometown in pursuit of a better life, and headed to Tehran as a teenager, where he took on all sorts of jobs. His love for tinkering led him to become an electrician. He also attended night classes after long days of hard work. Despite the rough start, his career took off during Iran's economic heyday of the 60s and 70s when he became a major contractor and even helped his relatives navigate the bustling streets of Tehran, offering them support and guidance.

The 1979 revolution in Iran shook the lives of many including Joseph and his family. Over the years, his children left Iran one by one. He waited for a quarter of a century to reunite with his children. Eventually, he and his wife moved to the United States, marking the last chapter of his life. In his later years, he found happiness living in Oldsmar, FL, as it was a place where he truly felt at home, finding comfort in the climate and the people who welcomed him with open arms.

Joseph’s memory will forever be cherished by his family and friends, serving as a reminder that a life well-lived leaves a lasting impact on those lucky enough to have shared it with him. Sayyad was a loving husband, devoted father, caring brother, and cherished uncle. He is survived by his wife Aghdas, daughters Jaleh, Laleh, and Halleh, his son Houman, sons-in-law Iraj and Geoffrey, daughter-in-law Ana, and grandchildren Shamim and Nava.

A memorial service will be held at Clearwater Baha’i Center on November 18th 2023 at 3:30pm with dinner immediately following the service.

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