Hormozd Gahvari Fund for Rosh Hashanah Meals

Hormozd Gahvari was born in Blacksburg, VA. He graduated from University High School and

attended U of I for bachelor’s, and Berkeley for master’s in computer science. Hormozd

completed his PhD in computer science in 2014 and went on to work for Lawrence Livermore Lab

in California. His colleagues at Livermore described him as a brilliant computer scientist who was

able to quickly master new research topics, form bridges between disciplines, and come up with

creative solutions to difficult problems.

Hormozd was fun, upbeat, bright, inquisitive, and full of zest for life. He had a photographic

memory, a killer sense of humor and a logical mind. The sparkle in his eyes and his giggles were

infectious. Hormozd loved challenges and faced his fears head on. He also loved his work and

continued his research up to the last week of his life.

Hormozd’s hobbies included running, weightlifting, backgammon, photography, and following

his favorite sport teams. He was particularly devoted to the UIUC basketball and football teams,

as well as the Chicago Cubs, Bears, and Bulls.

Hormozd showed great courage and perseverance during his illness. He always kept up a hopeful,

cheerful attitude, and never stopped looking for and finding the positive in every situation. He

was an inspiration to all who knew him.

Hormozd was a proud Jew and wanted his daughter Shayda to be connected to her Jewish and

Persian heritage as well. He attended religious school in Champaign and actively participated in

Jewish organizations throughout his life. He attended services at Hillel both at U of I and Berkeley,

as well as the Chabbad Center. Being an engaged and observant Jew was very important to him.

One of the ways in which Hormozd enjoyed sharing his heritage was by cooking Sepharadic

Persian food. He would do this for small groups of friends and sometimes for large gatherings.

He recognized how sharing a meal can break the ice and bring people closer.

Our wish is for Hormozd to be remembered for what he accomplished in his short life. Our

beloved Hormozd left this earth on Erev Rosh Hashanah, the start of the holiest period in the

Jewish year. We can think of no better way to honor his life and his memory than to help support

the students at UIUC Hillel enjoy a good Jewish meal together.