Reza Attarchi Tehrani

Reza Attarchi-Tehrani - dedicated, father of three, grandfather of four, and friend of many - passed away on October 30, 2022 at the age of 92 in Roseville, California after a 10 years battle with dementia/Alzheimer’s.  (of natural causes)

Reza was born in May of 1930 to Kazem Attarchi-Tehrani and Tahereh Tehrani in Tehran, Iran.  He was the second of six children flourishing in a loving home. With strong support from his mother he excelled in academics from a young age. Being recognized for his aptitude, he was accepted into the prestigious Alborz High School. He ranked 9th in the nation for college entrance to the University of Tehran where he obtained a Bachelors in Science in Chemical Engineering becoming the first in his family to graduate from University. After fulfilling a five-year commitment as a high school chemistry and physics teacher, he came to the United States in 1962 to attend the University of Southwestern Lousiana (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette) obtaining his second degree in chemistry. After graduating, he worked in the pharmaceutical industry in New York City for 1 year before returning to Iran. 

As a visionary and entrepreneur, he founded Chemin Chemical Company in 1971 and produced the highest quality bleach for the Iranian market. He named his product Whitetex due to its ability to whiten textiles. The brand became nationally and internationally recognized as a quality line of cleaning products which extended to dish soap, window cleaner, and fabric softener among other cleaning and disinfecting products. The Iran Ministry of Public Health first recognized the effectiveness of Whitetex to curb the spread of  viruses in the early 1970’s. More recently, Whitetex was recommended to users as an effective disinfectant able to kill off the COVID virus. His contribution to the health of millions of families in Iran and surrounding countries, saved many lives. 

With a determination to ensure safety and opportunities for education for his children, he facilitated the immigration of his family to California. They settled in Corte Madera (Marin County) where his children flourished. In San Rafael he owned and operated a dry cleaning business called Marshall Steel Cleaners. 

Reza also continued to manage his bleach company until the age of 87 requiring long stretches of travel to Iran. He survived both prostate cancer and skin cancer in his later years. During the last five years of his life he continued to shower his grand children with love and encouragement to purse their education.  Most significantly, he continued to tell stories, recite poems, and recall significant events of the past until his last days. 

Through the years, Reza enjoyed reading and traveling. He traveled with his family to over 20 countries. As a lifelong athlete, he continued his dedication to fitness attending a gym five days a week.  He loved spending time with his grandchildren and was proud to watch his grandchildren play his favorite sport, soccer. He also loved sweet chinese dishes, fruit and, of course, Persian food. Reza was authentically and wholeheartedly there for his family and friends.

Reza was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Ali. He is survived by his children, Pouneh Simpson, Keivan Tehrani and Parissa Naef.  He is also survived by his grandchildren Kayla, Brayden, Tyler and Douglas.

1. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the UC Davis Tehrani Family Endowment fund supporting Iranian Studies  or Compassion Bridges supporting at risk youth
2. https://give.ucdavis.edu/CLAS/325132
3. and refugees at compassionbridges.com.