Ramin Max Amani

A giant light left this world on February 21, 2026, when Ramin Max Amani passed away after showing extraordinary strength and courage throughout a five-year journey with colon cancer. True to who he was, he faced every challenge with humor, grit, and a determination to keep everyone around him smiling.

Ramin leaves behind a legacy of love. His biggest fan and devoted wife, “Curly Fries” (Alana Amani), his daughter Carina “Beans”, step-daughter Emma “Pep”, and his emotional support kitty, Lemon, were the center of his world. He is also survived by his loving mother, Jaleh; and his twin brothers, Reza (Termeh) and Babak (Mallory). He was a proud and playful uncle to Niv, Zand, John, and Zach Amani. He was preceded in death by his father, Jamshid Amani. Ramin also leaves behind countless cousins, aunts, uncles, and an abundance of friends who were truly “framily.”

Family by choice meant everything to Ramin. He cherished Joel and Heather Menchel; Sam and Abigail Menchel; Micayla Menchel and Jason Hall; and Robert Menchel (“Papa Curly”), along with countless friends who were blessed to be part of his ever-growing circle. He made friends like most of us breathe. He gave gifts as if his life depended on it. He never, ever missed an opportunity to make somebody’s day.

Born in Tehran, Iran, Ramin’s life journey took him to London, Chicago, and eventually Virginia, where he earned an Associates Degree. He held many jobs over the years, but everything clicked when he discovered his passion for personal training. Helping others feel strong and confident brought him immense joy. Later, he found a second calling as a special education teacher assistant. He had a rare gift for connection—his students and colleagues adored him. Known as the “King of Kiss and Ride,” he brought order, safety, and—most importantly—a huge smile, a warm greeting and daily shenanigans including costumes, wigs, signs and hats to everyone arriving and leaving school each day.

Ramin loved the simple, beautiful rhythms of life: watching movies, his shows, especially Columbo marathons with Lemon; doing laundry every single day; shopping at Costco; emptying the dishwasher (entirely onto the counter); and going out for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner—he never met a meal he didn’t enjoy, especially a Happy Meal. He cheered passionately for his beloved Chicago Cubs and Da Bears. He loved the beach, his thousands of daily pull-ups, and sending goofy texts and memes. His dad jokes were legendary. His nicknames were endless. His greatest joy was making people laugh.

When Ramin was diagnosed with cancer five years ago, he found his knight in shining armor in Dr. John Marshall. Because of his care and dedication, Ramin was given five more years of love, laughter, and memories—years his family and friends will forever treasure. Ramin did not complain about his cancer struggles once, literally not once, not a single time in over 1,500 days.

Ramin’s light was larger than life. His laughter was contagious. His love was fierce and generous. Though our giant light is no longer physically with us, it shines on in every joke told, every pull-up completed, every Cubs game watched, and every act of kindness done in his honor.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

All are welcome to join a Celebration of Life… emphasis on celebration… March 7th, at 10am, at one of his favorite places, The Fox Regal Movie Theater, at 22875 Brambleton Plaza, Ashburn, VA 20148.

In lieu of flowers, please consider. . .

Get you and your loved ones tested for colon cancer.

Make 3 strangers laugh today and 3 more tomorrow.

Donate to: