Hormaz M. Vania, RIP

Memorial Service in Honor of
Mr. Hormaz M. Vania

Date: Friday, April 5, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM

Location: Bisch Funeral Home
2931 South Koke Mill Road
Springfield, IL 62711

Program: Prayers, Music, Remembrances, Reception & Music

Accommodations: The family plans
to reserve a block of rooms at

Courtyard by Marriott
3463 Freedom Drive
Springfield, IL 62704
217-793-5300

Condolences can be left at www.DignityMemorial.com

Hormaz Minoocher Vania, 1934-2024, First Zoroastrian Pioneer of Central Illinois

Our deeply beloved Hormaz passed away the night of March 3, 2024 in Springfield, Illinois. He was a noble, gracious, brilliant, and caring gentleman who is greatly missed. He is survived by his spouse, Yasmin H. Vania and three children, Natalie, Ivan, and Rustomji, his brother Luke Vania and wife Ginny Vania, sister Kamal R. Tengra and husband Rohinton Tengra, son-in-law Rusi D. Gandhi, daughter-in-law Crystal Vania, and granddaughter Asha R. Gandhi. His brother Rustom Vania and sister-in-law Gulzarine Vania precede him in eternal rest.

Hormaz was the founder, President, and principal Electrical, Mechanical, and Environmental Professional Engineer of Vania Engineering, Inc. established in 1967. Specially noteworthy projects from Vania Engineering include work on Abraham Lincoln’s Tomb, Lincoln’s Law Office, Lincoln Land Community College and Sangamon State University (now University of Illinois at Springfield), with Architect Mr. John Tackeuchi, housing development in Springfield, and work with large governmental entities. Hormaz served as President of the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers for three years. His work spanned the entire state and central USA.

Hormaz was a Master Mason of Tyrian Lodge 333 and recipient of their 50 Years of Faithful Service Award. He was a founder of Springfield’s Ethnic Festival and Asian and Indian Associations. Hormaz was an honorary life member of the National Republican Party. He was through and through an American Patriot and hosted the first fundraiser in Springfield for a US Congressman.

Hormaz and Yasmin Vania were founders and members of the Zoroastrian Association of Metropolitan Chicago and founding members of WZCC, The World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce. They were observers to the drafting of the constitution of FEZANA, the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America. A skilled Accordionist, Hormaz loved playing the accordion and brought delight to many people with his passion for music. He also played the piano. Hormaz was always in cheerful spirits and had an unending sense of humor. The couple provided “sweat equity” for their home, the first house built in the Colony West subdivision.

Hormaz received Honors in studies at Coyne Electrical School in Chicago. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering from The Indiana Institute of Technology in Fort Wayne, Indiana and a Master’s of Science in Environmental Engineering from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. He taught engineering at Lincoln Land and Sangamon State and studied music there as well.

In his last repose as throughout his life, Hormaz wore the sacred Zoroastrian religious garments of the sudreh and kusti. He was washed by his family, wrapped in white cotton, and adorned with red rose petals. Sacred Avestan words, the glorious prayers, were recited by his family, priests, and chaplains at his bedside and across the globe, as far as Mumbai. Hormaz and Yasmin are donors to the Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois for the purpose of scientific and educational research. The family is planning a memorial service for Hormaz on April 5, 2024 in Springfield, Illinois through the Bisch Funeral Home (www.dignitymemorial.com). They are grateful to the many well-wishers for their condolences.

Hormaz was the son of Minoocher and Manijeh Vania, descendants of the Ancient Achaemenian Persian Empire and South Asia. Garotham Behest. Hormaz, i.e., Divine Light and Brilliant Wisdom of Ahura Mazda.

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