Obituary of Abdollah Vafai

Abdollah Vafai, aged 97, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2024, in West Columbia, SC, after a brief illness. He was born in Hamadan, Iran, and worked in television and electronics repair before immigrating to the United States in 1977, just before the Iranian Revolution, to ensure all his children could receive an education. Through decades of ownership and operation of two Dunkin Donuts bakeries, he demonstrated an indefatigable work ethic, generosity of spirit, and endearing stubbornness. In his spare time, he tinkered in his workshop, whistling while he worked. He was an elite backgammon player, which he especially enjoyed playing with his grandchildren, who were his greatest source of pride.

Abdollah is survived by his beloved wife of almost 65 years, Afagh Vafai; and by his children, Shohreh Anand (Tej), Sharareh Borhanian (Kamran), Shahin Vafai (Radiance), and Shiva Hodges (Hayne); as well as a dozen grandchildren, and scores of cousins and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, and one sister.

A Bahá’í funeral service to honor his passing and celebrate his life will be held on February 20, 2024, at 10am at the outdoor gazebo at Woodridge Memorial Park, 138 Corley Mill Rd, Lexington, SC 29072.