Obituary of Dariush Zargham

Dariush Zargham passed away peacefully on September 2nd 2017 at Morristown Memorial Medical Center, surrounded by loved ones. He was predeceased by his parents General Amir Gohli Zargham and Alam Taj (Brengchi) Zargham, his loving wife Gayle and his son Douglas. Dariush is survived by his son Stephen, his wife Lynne, and their children Michael and Melissa, Douglas’s children Colin and Keaton, and daughter-in-law Melanie, his sisters Sohi Shargh and her husband Parviz, Mashid Bonakdar and her husband Ahmed, Ghazal Campbell and her husband Don, and Lidana Jalilvand and her husband Saied as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins and their families around the world. Born January 9, 1936, in Tehran, Iran, Dariush lived a long and full life. Growing up in Iran Dariush was bright and energetic. After graduating from high school in Esfahan, Iran in 1955 he departed for the United States where he began his studies at Upsala College and met Gayle O’Conner, daughter of Irish and German Americans. At a time when cross cultural marriages were rare, their love conquered all obstacles. Dariush and Gayle were married in 1959. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Miami, earning a degree in civil engineering. Stephen and Douglas were born in 1961 and 1963, respectively. Dariush continued his studies at New York University, completing a Master’s Degree in structural engineering and became a licensed Professional Engineer before returning to Iran with his family in 1966. While in Iran, Dariush served as managing director of engineering and architectural firms, sharing his knowledge from his studies abroad; always a student, he earned a Master’s in Business Administration attending an Executive Education program taught by visiting professors from Harvard and Wharton in Tehran. Gayle taught at, and the boys attended the Tehran American School until 1975; they returned to the United States so the boys could attend high school. Dariush continued to work primarily in Iran until 1979, leaving the country as the Iranian revolution escalated. He made several trips back to Iran to settle family and business affairs, during his final trip he survived inquisition by the Revolutionary Guard for his ties to the United States. Dariush settled permanently in Livingston New Jersey, grateful to have more time with his wife and sons but needing to build a new career. A natural leader and entrepreneur, he owned and operated a myriad of businesses from an Oriental rug store to a Portuguese restaurant; he invested in and managed real estate and loved trading stocks based on his research, careful eye for world events, and intuitive sense of the ebbs and flows of business. Dariush had a great love of the United States for the freedoms and opportunities it afforded him, his family and all; he proudly became a naturalized US Citizen in 1998. Family was Dariush’s greatest joy. His wife Gayle was the light of his life; their children and grandchildren were his greatest pride. Gayle and Dariush were the hub of the family, hosting gatherings and regaling all with stories and gifts. He doted on Gayle until her passing in 2006. Committed to education, his legacy includes sponsoring higher education for all his grandchildren, whose achievements he prized above his own. A private remembrance is being held. Per his wishes, there will be no public services. Dariush had a deep respect for the military and a soft spot in his heart for children. Those wishing to honor his memory are directed to his preferred charities the Paralyzed Veterans of America and St Labre Indian School or a charity of their choosing.