Robert David Sarmadi-Fard

Robert Sarmadi-Fard 

April 15, 1985 - March 18, 2026 

as written by Lindsay, Rob's sister:

It all started with a cough in November. "Bronchitis" said the walk-in clinic. I thought pnemonia. X-rays at the ER revealed it was stage 4 lung cancer. He was 40 years old. 

Christmas and New Year's were spent in the hospital. Over a month. But steroids brought down the inflammation and he was able to come home. We knew we wouldn't cure him at such an advanced stage, but we hoped chemo would buy more time.

Last Friday bloodwork at his oncologist revealed very high CO2 levels in his bloodstream. We went to the ER where he started off stable and then crashed. Had to be intubated, transferred to Yale ICU. 

But he stabilized, was brought out of sedation, and he expressed his wishes. He wanted to see his friends, mend broken relationships (his words), make sure there was nothing left unsaid. And he did that. He had to write on a notepad but he said all the things he wanted to say. He smiled, his friends made jokes, played music. We told him we loved him and he loved us. 

He was ready. This was his choice. He wanted that tube out. He wanted to eat oreos and milk, talk to people. But we knew the risks, unsure if his lungs could support him without the ventilator. We made a plan. He was asleep before they took the tube out. He didn't feel any fear. He crashed quickly, his lungs unable to work on their own anymore. But it was fast and peaceful. 

He said I was "his crutch". That he couldn't have done it without me. But I'm happy for him that he doesn't need to struggle anymore. No more late nights with shortness of breath.  No more pain. No more fear. No more anxiety. Just peace. He wrote to me "I've lived a good life. I'm ready." I saved all of his notes. He was at peace with this. 

I don't know what else to say. My Gibbers. Gimpy Schmimpy. My baby brother. I will miss you so so much. 

Rob did not want a funeral or memorial service. I hope people will remember him fondly and I look forward to hearing from anyone that knew and loved him. Hug your loved ones close tonight. Don't leave anything left unsaid. You never know how much time you have left. Make it count.

Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with Robert's funeral care and to support his family throughout their grief journey.  Sharing your fond memories, favorite photos and kind expressions of sympathy on Robert's tribute wall on this website will bring lasting comfort to his grieving family.  

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