Zia Segatol-Islami

Zia Segatol-Islami, 94, of Key Biscayne, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026, St. Patrick’s Day, a day often associated with peace and blessings.

Born on August 3, 1931, in Tabriz, Iran, Zia lived a long and meaningful life defined by dedication to his family, his profession, and the simple joys of the natural world. As a young man, he migrated to the United States after graduating from Tabriz Medical School. Upon his arrival, he knew little English; nevertheless, he built a respected career as a pathologist, becoming the Chief of Pathology at Oswego Hospital, where he served for 31 years. His work was not only a profession, but a service, an extension of his care for humanity and his deep respect for life.

Zia’s family was the center of his world, and his love for them was steadfast and unconditional. He was a devoted father to his six children and a loving grandfather, recently becoming a great-grandfather. He was affectionately called “Baba.” He will be remembered as a kind, gentle, and principled man with a bottomless heart and deep devotion to his family. He led by example, with a quiet strength that was undeniable. Though not a religious man, he lived by the Zoroastrian values of “good thoughts, good words, good deeds.” Those who knew him often felt a rare presence, marked by humility, compassion, and a peaceful, almost saint-like grace.

Zia had a lifelong love of sports. In his younger years, he wrestled in high school and later, as an adult, enjoyed playing racquetball with colleagues. He nurtured his children’s athletic pursuits, devoting countless hours to driving them to practices and games. He remained an enthusiastic fan throughout his life, especially of football and Major League Soccer, with a special loyalty to the Buffalo Bills.

Beyond sports, he found great joy and peace in nature among trees, sunsets, beachscapes, and greenery. He quite literally stopped to smell the flowers wherever he went.
Zia appreciated the richness of life through its simplest gifts like food, games, time with loved ones, and travel spending many hours a week playing backgammon and rummy with dear friends. He was especially fond of fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts, delighting in the nourishment they provided. There wasn’t an apricot or yam on earth he couldn’t savor. He often fondly recounted stories of his youth, climbing fruit trees to gather nature’s offerings and cooling them in nearby streams.

Fluent in English, Turkish, and Farsi, Zia bridged cultures and connected with people from all walks of life. In his later years, he drove countless hours across the United States, stopping at cafés and national parks, taking in the beauty of the landscapes and the spirit of the people. Even into his 90s, he traveled across continents to remain connected with siblings and family abroad. Friends and strangers alike were touched by his presence, whether through a meaningful conversation or the warmth of his glowing smile.

Zia is survived by his 6 children and their spouses; Mojdeh (Segatol-Islami) and Nazir Waroich, Lale (S-I) Dorr, Jamileh (S-I) and Bill Davy, Jamal Segatol-Islami, Jahan and Julia (Consuegra) Segatol-Islami, Roshan (S-I) and Jesse Gillingham, his 13 grandchildren; Jozal (Waroich) and spouse Alexander Moore, Tess, Jaleh and Naiem Waroich, Elspeth and Tristram Dorr, Kiannah and Anessa Davy, Alec, Eric and Natalie Segatol-Islami, Joaquin and Pasha Gillingham, great-grandchild, Lyra Moore, his former spouse, Mary Louise (Hart) Segatol-Islami and his 4 younger; siblings and their spouses; Manijeh (S-I) Assefi, Mansoureh (S-I) and Cyrus Amiri, Fridon and Vida (Kalantari) Seghatoleslami and Yahya Seghatoleslami. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished so deeply.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at The Mansion at Parklawn Memorial Park. Burial services will follow at 11:30 a.m. Flowers may be sent to Parklawn Memorial Park in honor of Dr. Segatol-Islami (12800 Veirs Mill Rd., Rockville, MD 20853).

Memorial donations can be made to the Sarcoma Foundation Of America - https://curesarcoma.org/?form=CancerPrevention

“Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul, there is no such thing as separation.” — Rumi

His love, presence, and unshakable grace will remain with all who were fortunate enough to know and love him. May he rest in eternal peace.