Mohammad "John" Hossein Afzalirad

Mohammad Hossein “John” Afzalirad, 76, of Williamsburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. Born on January 21, 1950, in Tehran, Iran, he devoted his life to his family and built a career as a small business owner and real estate developer. He was known above all for his generous spirit, servant’s heart, fearlessness, unwavering work ethic, and tenacious love for his family and friends.

To those who knew and loved him, he was a legend. He had a gift for making everyone smile, never met a stranger, and would quite literally give the shirt off his back to someone in need. His generosity, larger-than-life personality, and devotion to those he loved left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Hossein was a highly decorated athlete competing on Iran’s national water skiing and canoeing teams before immigrating to the United States. He was also a proud letterman of the Marshall University men’s soccer team, where he holds the individual single-season scoring records for 1979 and 1980, as well as the all-time record for most goals scored and most points in a single game. His athletic accomplishments were a source of great pride, and his enduring connection to Marshall remained a cherished part of his life.

His greatest pride and joy was his family. He is survived by his wife, Maryam Tehrani, whom he lovingly described as his angel; his children, Ali Afzalirad (Charity), Shahrzad “Sherrie” A. Dyal (Evan), Melody J. Campbell (Vincent), Rama Ryan Afzalirad, and Nima Bryan Afzalirad; his grandchildren, Kilian M. Afzalirad, Hunter N. Afzalirad, Emma Katherine Dyal, Eva M. Afzalirad, Bailey F. Dyal, Finn C. Dyal, and Leo A. Campbell; his siblings, Susan Afzalirad and Mehri Afzalirad; and his countless nieces and nephews, all of whom were his "favorite".

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ali Afzalirad and Aziz Eshghali; his siblings, Sodegh Afzalirad, Mansoureh Afzalirad, Reza Afzalirad, Ghasem Afzalirad, Mohammad Afzalirad, and Zahra Afzalirad; and other beloved family members and loved ones.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, 12 pm, Nelson Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Road, Williamsburg, Virginia.

Hossein's devoted considerable time and resources to helping others, but one cause especially close to his heart was helping the homeless. The family welcomes donations in Hossein/John’s name and honor to Williamsburg House of Mercy.

He leaves behind a legacy of generosity, resilience, laughter, and immeasurable love.