Mahdi Said Mazarei

Mahdi Said Mazarei, 73, passed away peacefully on the morning of June 3rd, 2024 at his home in Thousand Oaks, California. He was born September 6th, 1950 in Shiraz, Iran to the late Mohammad and Nayer Mazarei. The youngest of seven children, Mahdi immigrated to California in March 1971 to join his brother in the family gas station business. He eventually owned two of his own in Simi Valley and Calabasas.

While working, he continued his education at Woodbury University in Los Angeles, California, graduating with a B.S. in International Business in June, 1981. It was at school that he met the future Mrs. Mazarei, Linda. Blessed with a 145 IQ, he married her June 8th, 1980. After selling his gas stations in 1988, he operated multiple family businesses with his brother Javad Mazarei and his sister Gitti Beheshti. He would retire in 2007.

The "Coach Pops" era would be his true passion. He loved the game of basketball, especially coaching his four sons. He was instrumental in their development on and off the court and never missed a practice. He never missed a game. Through coaching, "Coach Pops" impacted countless young players who grew to love and respect him. He was so positive in his coaching style, combining the perfect mix of love and discipline. Above all, he was a winner.

Mahdi is survived by his wife, Linda, his four sons: Michael, Adam, Amir, and Matthew (Megan,) and his three grandchildren: Merrick, Maze, and Maddox. He is also survived by his two sisters Gitti Beheshti and Parvaneh Zia, and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

Mahdi is preceded in death by his brothers Hossein and Javad and sisters Mariam and Paridokht.

He will be greatly missed by his loving family, but his legacy and memory will remain in the hearts of the countless lives he touched.