Dearest family and friends, we are saddened to inform you of the loss of the beloved Dr. Gholam-Hossein Azarbayejani

Dr. Gholam-Hossein Azarbayejani passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 17, 2025, at his home in West Bloomfield, Michigan. He was 91 years old. He will be laid to rest beside his wife, Marilyn Ann (Cortright) Azarbayejani, at White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery in Troy, Michigan.

Born March 5, 1934, in Isfahan, Iran, Gholam-Hossein earned top national exam scores that qualified him to study in the United States. Before departing, he attended a royal reception where he met the Shah of Iran. In 1956 he came to the U.S. and later earned his Ph.D. at the University of Michigan, where he met his future wife, Marilyn.

The couple lived in Detroit for about ten years before settling in West Bloomfield in 1977. After early work in the fields of nuclear physics and energy conversion, Dr. Azarbayejani became a college professor for many years. He was deeply committed to education, science, and justice, and he took pride in helping others expand their knowledge and opportunities.

He is remembered for his kindness, generosity, thoughtfulness, and his delightfully silly sense of humor — qualities that touched everyone who knew him.

Dr. Azarbayejani is survived by his children Nahid (Mark) Casazza, Nasrin Azari (James Hewitt), Ali Azarbayejani (Heather Jankins), and Mohsen Azarbayejani; grandchildren Madeleine Gaffaney (Tim Pattyson), Alexa Gaffaney, Kaelyn and Justin Casazza, and Caden and Kira Azarbayejani; and many beloved nieces and nephews around the world.

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Funeral and Memorial Services

Viewing:
Friday, October 24, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Southfield Funeral Home
18338 W 12 Mile Rd, Southfield, MI 48076
Family Dinner and Fellowship to follow (location TBD)

Viewing:
Saturday, October 25, 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Southfield Funeral Home
18338 W 12 Mile Rd, Southfield, MI 48076

Memorial Service:
Saturday, October 25, 10:00 a.m.
Northwest Unitarian Universalist Church
23925 Northwestern Hwy, Southfield, MI 48075

Burial:
Saturday, October 25, approximately 11:45 a.m.
White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery
621 W Long Lake Rd, Troy, MI 48098

Lunch Reception:
Saturday, October 25, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Northwest Unitarian Universalist Church
23925 Northwestern Hwy, Southfield, MI 48075

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All who knew and loved him are warmly invited to attend.

In Lieu of flowers that family asks that you honor Hossein by a living tribute. (Click here)