It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Siavosh Sotudeh, who died peacefully on June 9, 2025, at the age of 89.

Born in Malayer, Iran on October 27, 1935, Sia was one of six sons and three daughters.

After graduating from Alborz College High School, Sia gained acceptance into the Naval Engineering program at the Royal Naval Engineering College in the United Kingdom. The duration of the training for the program was three years, most of which his time was spent aboard naval vessels at sea.

Sia returned back to Iran in 1961 and accepted a promotion to Junior Lieutenant in the pre-revolution Imperial Iranian Navy. He relocated to the northern naval base in Bandar Pahlavi on the Caspian Sea, eventually gaining admission to the School of Diving in order to pursue accreditation with the Navy's Deep Sea Diving Program.

After extensive training, he embarked on a distinguished career, becoming a master naval scuba diver who led a number of special operations and rescue missions for his company of "frogmen" and eventually rising to the rank of Captain.

During his decorated service, he held a variety of roles including as a gunnery officer on I.I.S. Faramarz, a captain of I.I.S. Rostam, a fleet commander, and a naval attaché.

His naval career took him across the globe, with significant time spent in Bandar-e Pahlavi, Abadan, Bandar Abbas, Great Britain, Virginia Beach, and the Washington DC Metropolitan region (which eventually became his home for over 45 years).

Sia was the beloved husband of Goli Sotudeh for 61 years. He was a devoted father to Kooros Sotudeh (wife Melissa) and Kasra Sotudeh.

He cherished his role as grandfather to Cayman Sotudeh (wife Taylor) and Soraya Sotudeh.

He was a man of remarkable character, leaving behind a legacy of enduring grit, kindness, patience, wisdom, and boundless love for his family and friends.

Described by those who knew him as "a presence without taking up much space,"

Sia embodied quiet strength and unwavering compassion.

Extended family and close friends will always remember him hosting festive parties, embracing lengthy and animated backgammon games, tearing up the dance floor accompanied by his wife, and never losing his love for travel and adventure by land, air, and sea.

He will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.

"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

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