Thomas Jahanian, 28, of Pittsburgh, PA passed away in a drowning accident on Saturday, September 25, 2021. He will be greatly missed by loving parents, Teresa (“Tris”) and Farnam Jahanian, older brother Daniel and younger sister Sara. He will also be missed by his grandparents, David and Teresa Casey, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Born on April 20, 1993, and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Thomas was a charming, compassionate, and exceptionally gifted person. It’s impossible to sum up the positive impact he had on everyone he met and especially on those who knew and loved him.
Thomas cared deeply for those around him. Always willing to lend a helping hand, he was someone you could call on during times of need. His profound empathy, selflessness and generosity were apparent to all who loved him. Thomas relished in connecting with others, through philosophy, music, political banter, or anything that would inspire a great conversation. He was well known for offering care, compassion and conversation to strangers he encountered as well.
Thomas was a thoughtful intellectual and a voracious reader, who enjoyed political science and was deeply passionate about philosophy, a topic he was studying at Duquesne University. He believed that the greatest thing a person could strive for was virtue in the most classical sense – and he lived his life accordingly. A talented musician, he delighted in music theory and jazz. Thomas loved writing, synthesizing information, and engaging in rigorous debate. Thomas also enjoyed exploring the outdoors and was an avid skier, a hobby he loved to share with his family and friends.
Thomas’s humor was unrivaled. Quick as a whip, he could light up a room, seamlessly switching between amusing anecdotes and one-liners. If he had the opportunity to read his obituary, he would write a rebuttal. His loving presence, deep intellect and quick wit came together to make his personality magnetic. People were drawn to Thomas, and he touched countless lives.
A private memorial service will be held in Pittsburgh, and a celebration of life will be held in Ann Arbor in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the Jahanian family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made to nonprofits Thomas championed that provide support to un-housed and at-risk individuals and young people. In Pittsburgh, donations may be made to Bridge Outreach via www.bridgepgh.org and in Ann Arbor, to Ozone House via www.ozonehouse.org. Please note gifts as “In Memory of Thomas Jahanian.” Arrangements by John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc., Pittsburgh (freyvogelfuneralhome.com)