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On June 12, 2018, the day before his 70th birthday, Jamal Ghaffarian suffered a devastating brain injury while doing what he loves best, biking. The brain injury damaged every part of his brain, from the cerebral cortex to the brainstem, destroying any chance at a healthy, functional, and independent life. He passed away in peace 18 days later.
Jamal Ghaffarian was born in Isfahan, Iran in 1948. He was the eldest of 4 siblings. From an early age, Jamal assumed the responsibility of a father figure and worked tirelessly to support his family, especially after his father had passed away. He drew inspiration and passion from Isfahan’s magnificent architecture to become one of Iran’s most notable architects. Corruption following the Iranian Revolution and the Iran-Iraq War then forced him to uproot all that he had worked for to establish a new life for his wife and three children in the United States. His incredible effort and sacrifices never ceased, as he helped countless family members, friends, and strangers transition to a better life. To Jamal, there was no doubt or hesitation when it came to protecting others and ensuring their happiness and stability. His devotion, passion, honor and dignity, selflessness, purity, generosity, wisdom, optimism, open-mindedness, goofy sense of humor and dance style, contagious laugh, endless advice, dad jokes, love through action, and conviction to his principles will resonate in our hearts forever. His spirit serves as a source of inspiration and admiration and laughter.
In honor and celebration of his life, we have established the Jamal Foundation, a philanthropic fund that strives to create a stable and fulfilling life for working class families in Baltimore, particularly immigrant laborers who are working to support their families just like Jamal did. The fund will provide financial aid and services to families through community organizations that know their community’s needs best. In place of flowers and cards, we ask that you support Jamal’s memorial through a small contribution to the fund.
Here’s to a heart of gold, a man of principle. Thank you for helping to honor Jamal’s legacy and support those struggling to create a better future.
Jamal Ghaffarian was born in Isfahan, Iran in 1948. He was the eldest of 4 siblings. From an early age, Jamal assumed the responsibility of a father figure and worked tirelessly to support his family, especially after his father had passed away. He drew inspiration and passion from Isfahan’s magnificent architecture to become one of Iran’s most notable architects. Corruption following the Iranian Revolution and the Iran-Iraq War then forced him to uproot all that he had worked for to establish a new life for his wife and three children in the United States. His incredible effort and sacrifices never ceased, as he helped countless family members, friends, and strangers transition to a better life. To Jamal, there was no doubt or hesitation when it came to protecting others and ensuring their happiness and stability. His devotion, passion, honor and dignity, selflessness, purity, generosity, wisdom, optimism, open-mindedness, goofy sense of humor and dance style, contagious laugh, endless advice, dad jokes, love through action, and conviction to his principles will resonate in our hearts forever. His spirit serves as a source of inspiration and admiration and laughter.
In honor and celebration of his life, we have established the Jamal Foundation, a philanthropic fund that strives to create a stable and fulfilling life for working class families in Baltimore, particularly immigrant laborers who are working to support their families just like Jamal did. The fund will provide financial aid and services to families through community organizations that know their community’s needs best. In place of flowers and cards, we ask that you support Jamal’s memorial through a small contribution to the fund.
Here’s to a heart of gold, a man of principle. Thank you for helping to honor Jamal’s legacy and support those struggling to create a better future.
