Obituary of Simon Valedi

Simon Valedi passed away on the night of May 14th, 2024, at the age of 75. Simon was born in Tehran, Iran to his father Nazareth Valedi and his mother Toomian Aghakhani. He was the beloved husband of 37 years of Elizabeth Ann “Liz” (Haselton) Valedi.  He was the proud father of Andranik Valedi & his wife Samantha Valedi, and Anna Grace Valedi. He was predeceased by his siblings Emma, Shirin, Rosik, and Andranik.  He was the proud grandfather of Matthew Gomes Valedi.  He was the brother-in-law of Kenneth Haselton, Jr.  

Simon was born in a village on the outskirts of Tehran, Iran. He grew up speaking Armenian and Farsi and loved to play soccer. His athletic skill was sufficient to earn him a starting position as goalkeeper on Armenia’s national soccer team. He was very proud of his Armenian heritage, and he felt it an honor to represent Armenia. In his late twenties, he decided to travel overseas to the United States to pursue his education in the natural sciences. He attended New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Emerson College, and Boston State College. He would later meet and fall in love with Elizabeth Haselton in Boston, Massachusetts, at a nightclub while out with friends. They soon got married, and decided to settle in Watertown, Massachusetts.

Simon worked as a land surveyor for several private companies, including Webster Engineering, Green International and Kurdish Associates. He spent his last 14 years working for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation surveying, inspecting, supervising, and planning road and bridge projects in the Commonwealth.  He enjoyed his work and would have worked longer had he not had to retire due to his health issues. 

Simon loved being active. He built a large garden with his son and planted many kinds of herbs and vegetables, and always harvested more than he ever needed for his family. He would share the rest of the harvest with his friends and neighbors.  Simon also loved following sports, including soccer, baseball, basketball and football. He coached youth soccer in Burlington for many years. His playing experience made him a fantastic coach.  

Simon had an analytical mind and enjoyed working with his hands. He did much of the brickwork and construction projects around his home. He would try any type of work and worked hard to see the projects through to their perfect completion.

Simon enjoyed family vacations. He believed there was so much to see in the world, and never wanted to repeat a vacation destination. Simon wanted the best for his family and made countless sacrifices to give them the opportunities and extras he did not have as a child.  

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home on Monday, May 20 from 11am to 1pm. A service at the funeral home will begin at 1pm, and will conclude with a burial at Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington.  

Memorials may be made to St. Stephen Armenian Elementary School, www.ssaes.org or to Saints Vartanantz Armernian Church, www.stsvartanantz.com, 180 Old Westford Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824 For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net