Ray Zia Sotoudeh

Ray was born and raised in Tehran and emigrated to the United States in 1963, graduating with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Akron and a master’s degree from Pennsylvania State University. He retired from a long career with PEPCO in 1998.

Ray spent his nearly 82 years filling the world with laughter, piano music, friendship, and love, and he was the funniest man in every room he was in until the moment he died.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Dr. Faranak Sotoudeh of Potomac, MD, his son Paul Sotoudeh (Elizabeth) of Washington, DC, his nine brothers and sisters, and plenty of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, all of whom he loved dearly, but not as much as they loved him.

Ray’s memorial will be held on Sunday, March 30th at 1 PM at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, 11800 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD. The family welcomes anyone who wishes to celebrate his life to attend.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Ray’s love of playing the piano, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Sitar Arts Center, which provides affordable arts education to youth in the DC area. Donations can be made at https://www.sitarartscenter.org/get-involved/donate/.