Tony Ghaemi of Fairport, NY passed away unexpectedly on September 23, 2020 at the age of 56. He is survived by his wife, Sunny, and children Ashley and Dylan.
We called him Baba.
The ultimate family man. So generous and so hard-working.
He was born and raised in Tehran, Iran. His first passion was soccer. He played the game his entire life. Baba always looked forward to soccer season. He even began refereeing for games. He spent many weekends getting up early to go ref. His love for soccer was unwavering.
My Baba left Iran when he was around 20 years old to seek a better life for himself and his future family. He spent years living in different countries like Turkey and Italy before settling in Colorado.
My parents were set up on a blind date. My mom was living in California at the time. It was love at first site. They got married in 1993. Two years later, I was born. 6 years later, Dylan was born.
I considered us to be the perfect family. We were a small family but that is all we needed. Baba made us feel protected always. We were not afraid of anything because we knew he would do whatever it took to keep us safe.
Baba was also an amazing cook. Arguably the best cook around. Dylan and I always joked that he should’ve opened his own restaurant called “Baba’s Place.” It would’ve been so successful because his food was unlike anything else. He never followed recipes. Somehow his amazing brain held all of that information. Persian food, Italian food, American food, you name it, he could do it. His Persian food was everyone’s favorite. It would take him all day to prepare but it was without a doubt the most amazing food on this planet.
Some of the best memories of my Baba included his various phrases that he essentially trademarked. “Super deluxe” definitely takes the cake though. If you knew my dad, you knew if anything required the word “very” it would be replaced with “super deluxe.” My Baba was super deluxe special.
My favorite thing about my Baba was his generosity. He was so selfless and so kind- always giving to others when he had the opportunity. At his business he would always go above and beyond with his customers to make sure they were satisfied. He would get to work before 8 am, get home around 6 or 7pm, and then get up and do it all again the next day. He was a hard-worker to say the least. His one goal was to be able to provide for his family.
Baba’s life was taken way too soon. There was so much left for him to experience. There was so much that we wanted to experience with him.
My Baba was truly one of a kind. We are thankful for the time we got to share with him although we wish we had more. Baba would want us to keep our heads up, stay positive, and stick together. Dylan is pursuing professional hockey and I am in my 2nd year of medical school. Although our paths may not be simple, having Baba with us makes anything possible. We love you super deluxe much Baba.
Comments
37 responses to “Ghaemi, Tony”
I’m so surprised to hear about Tony’s passing.
Please accept my condolences and prayers.
I bought carpet through Tony’s business for my clients. What a gentleman and a gentle man. I was shocked and so sad to hear of his passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy. He will surely be missed by so many.
We are all sad and heartbroken by this
I ask God for patience and peace for all those close to him
I am Mohsen, an old friend of Massoud and Majid ( Tony ). We were studying in a high school in Iran .
The news of Majid’s ( Tony )death was very painful for me.
I hope you can bear this great sorrow. Majid’s ( Tony )friend from Iran
Mohsen
Ashley, what a beautiful tribute to your “Baba”. I’m so very sorry to hear of his passing. He was taken way to soon. He will be looking over all of you for sure. Prayers for healing and acceptance for you and your family.
Tony was remarkable in so many ways. He was just my joyous, younger brother. When you met him, you couldn’t help feeling he was someone exceptional. He lived his life to the fullest and touched so many people during his short time here on earth, as evident by a profound sadness for his family and friends for this passing. He loved his family dearly. He was a devoted husband, son, father, uncle, brother, and friend. I hear from many family members and friends from all over the world, will miss the friendship and love that Tony brought into their lives. We will remember him through many people whose lives he touched so positively. Tony leaves an amazing legacy behind two beautiful, handsome, and brilliant children. They are his legacy! Dearest little brother, we will miss you, but we will always remember you with respect, admiration, and love, always, always!
Dear Ghaemi family please accept our sincere condolences . Our thoughts and prayers are with you in these difficult times. May he Rest In Peace !❤️?
His greek American soccer teammates are sad for the unexpected loss of this amazing person. He was a great player and mostly a friend like no other. He was loved by everyone. He will be greatly missed
I met Tony many years back right here in Rochester on a soccer pitch. It was a brief cordial introduction when we realized we were both from the old country – Iran. We both shared the same passion for the game and enjoyed mutual respect every time our teams met. Our friendship and mutual admiration stayed on the pitch but I always wished I could get to know Tony and his family better, for I knew we had much more in common than just soccer, like our families and work. From his kind considerate demeanor toward his fellow teammates and opponents alike, I could just tell he would Have been the best friends with anyone who got to know him closer. On one occasion, after a game, when we were talking about our home lives, I learned how much he loved his family and how proud He was of his kids. I am so sorry that he has been taken so soon. With much love and respect, rest In peace Tony and dream of making those over-the-head bicycle kicks into the goal my friend!!!
I couldn’t believe when I heard about Tony, Please accepted my sincere condolences. We played soccer together in few games. He definitely will be missed. I am so sorry Sunny, Ashley and Dylan.
I am so sorry to hear of Tony! It’s heartbreaking and he was definitely taken too soon. Hugs to all of you during this sad time! God Bless and love, John and Sandy (McCabe) Gebhardt and Molly McCabe
As one of Tony’s customers, I cannot say enough good about him. He had an unwavering work ethic, charming personality and provided amazing customer service. Whenever he called someone from our team he’d say ‘Hi! It’s Cousin Tony’; He wanted people to feel like part of an extended family, He was a true mensch and will be missed. My heartfelt condolences to Sunny, Ashly and Dylan. His eyes always lit up whenever he mentioned you.
Hands down, one of the most unique and amazing people I have ever met! The things you taught me in such a short time will never be forgotten. Kindness, Patience, humor, and striving to always be better are just some of the few things I take with me on a daily basis because of you, Tony.
Our conversations were one of a kind. I know we are “weird,” you and I. Always with the nicknames…And giving the “brotherly” advice. Yes, we know you are “super deluxe” strong and will miss you dearly.
I will forever keep your voice in my head and memory in my heart. Until we meet again! Love, C Dubs
I have been walking down the memory lane, beacuse I know I will run into YOU there. I know that YOU won’nt go away because I have felt you walk beside me every day .❤?.
My sympathies and condolences to the family. I am a fellow soccer referee and enjoyed officiating matches with Tony. He loved the game. Tony was a “gentleman” and always had a kind word to say about everyone.
Sunny, Ashley, and Dylan, I am so very sorry to hear about Tony’s (Baba’s) sudden passing. I will always remember him as a devoted family man and huge soccer fan with a kind and gentle soul. Please accept my deepest sympathy during this sad and difficult time. I pray that the many wonderful memories you have with Baba will bring you peace and comfort in the days ahead. Sending lots of love and big hugs, Jugi
Tony was always so cheerful and made me laugh. I always looked forward to officiating with him. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sunny & Family so sorry for your loss. My condolences.
Sunny, Ashley and Dylan I am at loss for words to say during these times as i have seen the Ghaemi family grow get older over all these years!
To hear Tony father/husband no longer being there to see / be part of Ashely’s & Dylan’s great progress is heartbreaking as I couldn’t fathom myself not being around my daughter!!
My condolences and thoughts are with you every minute and I still feel like its a bad dream, but it isn’t!!
The Dunn Family
I’m so sorry for your family’s tragic loss! I’m truly shocked. I refereed soccer with Tony over the years he was always the best at difusing situations on the field with players, making a small joke or offering a way to make players walk away with a smile instead of anger. I will miss doing games with him, even after the games we would have discussions about the games, the play, he was very passionate about the game like you said. I will be thinking and praying for you!
Tony was an absolute delight on the pitch to officiate and work with. His kindness, generosity, and love of life and the game will be missed. Prayers for Tony and his family.
I am so shocked and sad to hear about Tony’s sudden passing. I also am a fellow referee and had the pleasure of officiating with Tony. Tony always had a smile on his face and was upbeat. I also officiated some of his games he played in the men’s league. Tony would sometimes question a call with a smile. He made you laugh. My condolences and prayers to his family.
Very sad to hear. Wonderful man will be missed. My condolences and prayers to his family
What a shock. i just heard of the news. What a good man,Tony was. My deepest condolences to all of the family!
I’m so crushed to hear about our friend Tony. I had the pleasure of working many soccer games with him and will truly miss his gentle soul. He will be in my thoughts every time I walk out onto a soccer field. My deepest condolences to your family and I will keep you in my prayers!!
To my childhood role model. I will miss you forever. Thank you for the countless hours of videoing my game and motivating me to be the best person possible on and off the ice. He gave me a perfect childhood and I will forever be grateful I got 18 years of living with my baba. Till we meet again, I love you baba
I am so sad to hear of Tony’s Passing. We officiated many games together and also played many soccer games against each other. He was always smiling and so positive. He will be deeply missed by the Referee Unit as a Ref and a friend. Tony was a Class A Gentleman…My thoughts and prayers to his entire family.
I am so sorry to hear about Tony’s passing. I have refereed many games with Tony and we always had a great time. Tony was very professional and courteous to all players and coaches. He will be missed by all of us. My deepest condolences to your entire family.
I am so surprised to hear of Tony’s sudden passing. I met Tony when my son and Dylan starting soccer at age 9, and then officiated with him as a fellow referee, He was such an engaging person and he will be missed.
Tony, we always seemed to cross paths unexpectedly, and it always lit up my day to spend just a few minutes with you. Tyler still remembers your secret handshakes that I could never figure out and made sure to tell me whenever he saw you. I appreciate that you took some time for him. Be well my friend.
Dear Ghaemi family – I got to know and work with Tony over the past couple years — what a GREAT man he was to know and work with. Super enthusiastic and always helpful. I will truly miss him and pray your family remembers all the great moments you had with him and his legacy thru his family will carry on. My sincere sympathies to your family.
Dear Sunny, It is so sad dealing with the shock of Tony’s passing. He and I had just spoken days prior. I will always remember his kindness and generosity with me and my clients. It was truly a pleasure doing business with Tony. Please know my heart and prayers go out to you and your children. His passing is not only a tremendous loss to your family, but also to all of us who had the honor of working with him. My very deepest sympathies.
You were my one and only reliable source for whatever it was to ask or share with you. This is one loss I know I wont recover from until we meet again. You lived a clean life and set great example for anyone who knew you. Loosing you for me and everyone who knows you or even met you once is a great sorrow and pain. I only tell myself the tears I shed, the heavy heart I feel, the devastation I feel are only the endorsement of Love I have always had for you which will continue forever and until our
reunion.
Mehdi & Majid were my babysitters growing up. Mehdi still babysits me cause I still haven’t grown up 40 years later. My fondest memories with Majid are when we used to wrestle, his contagious laugh, and how much he and Mehdi would give me endless Ice Cream. Greatest childhood with the greatest Family. And of course the ever so Amazing Madar Joon, who Blessed us with such wonderful children, who Majid is now spending his eternity celebrating with. I’m so honored to be a part of this family and wish Health, Peace & All of God’s Blessings for us All.
We are sorry beyond words for your loss. Your father was one of the nicest people I have ever met. Such a kind and wonderful person who talked about his family with such love. When he was measuring at our house, our dog Cookie didn’t want to leave his side. He radiated kindness and joy to all. From my family to yours, please accept our deepest sympathy, love, and prayers. Wishing you and your family strength and peace during this difficult time.
p.s. Rest in peace, Tony, and may your family find strength, peace, and comfort in the moments and memories you have shared.
I I had the privilege to get to know Tony. Every day that I came into the shop Tony would have an upbeat attitude and he would always call me Sethmaster. I’m gonna miss his smile and his outgoing personality. He’ left too soon. I’m sending prayers for Sunny and her children that they have the strength to keep moving forward. Thank you Tony for being such an amazing human.
I just learned of Tony’s passing. I met him many years ago at work. Alway put a smile on my face . Later I would see him frequently at soccer and would be the fairest referee and love for the game was evident. Would always talk to my daughter and I after the game. Such a wonderful man that would share stories of his own family. He will be missed by us all. You are all in my prayers.