Rizal J. Ahmed

Rizal J. “Riz” Ahmed, cherished husband, father, son, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at the age 54 from a respiratory illness, coming at the end of a two-and-a-half-year battle with Stage IV colorectal cancer.  Born on November 2, 1970, in Manilla, Philippines, Riz grew up in Bellingham, MA.  He graduated with honors from The Groton School in 1988 and went on to earn a double major in History and Economics from Dartmouth College in 1992.

Following Dartmouth, Riz dedicated more than three decades to Wellesley Informational Services, where he served as President and Chief Research Officer.  He truly loved his work, in particular presenting publicly and mentoring those around him.

Riz married his soulmate and fellow Dartmouth grad Sheila (Bassiri) Ahmed in 1999.  They shared an incredible twenty-five years of marriage, during which they welcomed and raised four beautiful children: Lindsay, Tyler, Joseph, and Ryan.  Riz was the beloved son of Mohiuddin and Josefina Ahmed of Bellingham.  They will dearly miss him.  Others who shared the profound privilege of knowing and loving Riz include his extended family: brother-in-law David Bassiri of New York; father-in-law Dr. Rahim Bassiri of Walpole and mother-in-law, the late Shirley Bassiri; sixty-seven first cousins; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews with whom he treasured and celebrated their diverse cultures.

Riz was a dedicated athlete who loved the joy of sports, be it lacrosse, hockey, skiing, or golf.  He shared this love with his children, coaching them and supporting them in their younger years, where he formed a deep connection with his local hockey family in particular.  Sports gave him a rich community, and he took pride in giving back to it. His tight-knit group of college, high school, childhood and local friends also remained an integral part of his life, a testament to his loyalty and the bonds he formed with those around him.

Family was the cornerstone of Riz’s world.  He cherished every moment with them, and in particular traveling and creating special memories and experiences.  Riz’s two beloved dogs, Stella and Hoss, were never far from his side, providing joy and companionship for the past 11 years, preceded by Sammy, who brought not only love but indelible mayhem to the Ahmed household.  Riz also found solace and strength in yoga and meditation, practices that reflected his gentle spirit and helped him navigate his health challenges with grace and fortitude.  His incredible network of family and friends stood by him, drawn together by the love that Riz so freely gave.

Described by those who knew him as loving, kind, and gentle, Riz modelled strength, loyalty, and joyful joie de vivre.  He navigated life’s challenges with a ready smile and an open heart, inspiring those around him to do the same.  As we bid farewell to Riz, we celebrate a life lived to the fullest, marked by an unrelenting positivity that brightened the lives of everyone he touched.  While he may have left this world, he will always be with us in our hearts.

Visiting hours will be held Monday evening, March 31, from 4-7 p.m. at the Alexander F. Thomas and Sons Funeral Home, 45 Common Street, Walpole, MA.  There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at Blessed Sacrament Church, Walpole, on Tuesday, April 1, at 11 a.m.  Internment at Terrace Hill Cemetery in Walpole will follow the Mass, with a reception to follow.  All family and friends are welcome.

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