Northfield, MA – Nasser Tavallai, 68, from Northfield, Massachusetts, unexpectedly passed away on August 28, 2026. He was a Kurd, born in Kermanshah, Iran, to Hassan Tavallai and Zahra Ghazi.
As a well-rounded athlete, he focused his talent on swimming and was a champion water polo player. He endured the Iranian Revolution and the Iran-Iraq War and ultimately was reunited with his brother in the United States. Nasser was proud of his Kurdish origins and proud of his American citizenship. He knew well and preached that freedom is not to be taken for granted and can easily be taken from you. His profession as a land surveyor was also a source of enjoyment and pride. He retired three years ago from VHB, Inc.
Nasser cherished his early retirement years, spending them alongside his soulmate and beloved wife, Anita. He enjoyed winters in Arizona, traveling throughout the United States and Europe, and especially riding his tractor. But perhaps what brought Nasser the greatest joy was helping others. He had a way of making everyone around him feel comfortable, cared for, and at home, like comfort food for the soul. Helping people wasn’t something Nasser simply did; it was a part of who he was and he genuinely enjoyed it. He never hesitated to help anyone he could, and his kindness and generosity touched countless lives.
He leaves behind his wife, Anita Mello; his son and daughter-in-law, Brandon and Rachel Baker; his grandchildren, Kyle, Lucas, Jakob, and Ashleigh; his very best friend and dearest brother, Hossein Tavallai; sister-in-law, Soudabeh and their children, his nephew and niece, Darius and Zoya; three other brothers, Nader, Mansour, and Massood (and Bijan and Maryam); and the extended Mello and Tavallai families and friends from all around the world.
Burial service will be private. A Remembrance Celebration will be held in November, in Merrimack, NH.
Kidder Funeral Home, 1 Parker Ave., Northfield, Ma is assisting the family with arrangements.
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