Javad Tabatabai, the patriarch of the Tabatabai family, passed away peacefully on the morning of Sunday, September 22, 2024, in Laguna Niguel, California. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 70 years, Parvin Etemadi-Tabatabai. He is survived by his children, Habib, Niloofar, and Ali, his daughters-in-law Tara and Trina, and his grandchildren, Ideen, Aria, Shervin, and Raamin, his brothers Mehdi, Mahmood, Mohsen, and Saeed, and sisters Mehri and Nayer.

Javad was born on August 26th. 1925, in Kazerun, Iran. He spent his early childhood in Kazerun, and then moved to Shiraz where he attended elementary and high school. He studied law at the University of Tehran, and practiced law as a Judge Advocate General, and then as a private attorney in Shiraz and later in Tehran. His expansive knowledge of law and his superb analytical capabilities rendered him a sought-after legal expert, and he shared his knowledge with those seeking it generously and enthusiastically.

While a serious man by nature, Javad had a great sense of humor and a keen eye for the absurdities of life. His wit and humor delighted those who knew him, and he was a joy to be around. He was an eloquent speaker and wrote poetry for special occasions. Poetry has a special place in Persian culture, and Javad had an amazing ability to cite many verses of poetry by great Persian poets by heart. He also had a musical sense. The memory of the beautiful and whimsical song that he personally composed and performed at his older son's wedding has to this day remained with those present.

Javad moved to the United States in 2002, and resided in Laguna Niguel, California, close to his daughter, Nili. California was home away from home for Javad, and he enjoyed the beautiful scenery and the great weather there, especially as an avid walker who spent hours walking outdoors. His incredible sense of direction and spatial memory assisted him in his long walking expeditions.

Javad was generous with his time, attention, and affection. As a result, he was loved and admired by those who knew him. He would easily connect with young and old alike. He was the favorite brother, cousin, uncle, and friend to many. The pouring of heartfelt condolences for his passing, and the retelling of so many beautiful memories by those who knew him, from near and far, is a testament to the man he was, and the life he lived. He is gone but never forgotten. May he rest in peace, now that he is reunited with the love of his life, Parvin.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests to make a donation in his name to Oxfam Global Charity, https://www.oxfamamerica.org/donate/