Jack Naghdi

Professor Emeritus, F. Jack Naghdi, 77 of Evansville, passed away on July 7, 2016 at Gateway Hospital surrounded by his family. Jack attended the University of Illinois on a Tuition and Fee Scholastic Scholarship and graduated with a Masters in Civil Engineering in 1964. He began work at Hazlet & Erdal Consulting Engineers in Cincinnati, OH designing Interstate bridges, tunnels and highway structures including the I 71 Lytle Tunnel in downtown Cincy, I 471 McDonald Bridge (Big Mac) over the Ohio River, I 275 Bypass & numerous bridges in other states. He was also a part time instructor of evening classes at Ohio College of Applied Sciences in Civil Engineering Technology. It was at this time that he met and married his wife, the former Mary Liva, of Cincinnati in 1968. In 1974, his love for teaching inspired him to accept a full-time position in Tallahassee, FL., where he taught Civil Engineering Technology for three years at Tallahassee Community College. In 1977 Jack decided to accept a full-time position at the University of Southern Indiana (then known as ISUE). He was instrumental in establishing the first GPS monument on campus (which carries his name). He was a faculty advisor for the ASCE Student club and helped them get started (with then student Trent Lamb) in the concrete canoe competition in 1999 and it continues today. Jack belonged to various professional societies and organizations and retired in 2011 after a 34 year career. Jack's hobbies included astronomy. He liked to give "star" parties for family and friends, explaining the constellations and planets with his Celestron C 8 telescope. He was known as the Guru of professional football because of his vast knowledge of the game, teams and players for 60 years. Go Pats! His love of nature took him and his family hiking in all the National Parks and Monuments in the USA, Canada and Puerto Rico. He was also a world traveler, enjoying the cultures and people of numerous countries abroad. He was preceded in death by his mother, Shokat Naghdi, father, General Ali Naghdi, Asghar (Defense Minister under the former Shah of Iran), nieces, Sussan and Yassamin and nephew Bejan. Jack is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary Naghdi, daughter, Cynthia Vanhooser (Derek), brother, Amir Naghdi (Kathleen), sisters, Rafat and Shahla along with numerous nieces and nephews. At his request, there will be no formal visitation or services. Memorial contributions may be made to the USI Foundation in Jack’s name or a favorite charity. Condolences may be made online at www.pierrefuneralhome.com.

Jack Naghdi

September 14, 1938 - July 7, 2016