It is with profound sorrow that we share the passing of Polus Hormoz Goriel on March 31, 2026, peacefully surrounded by his loving family. He was a man whose presence filled every room, whose mind was endlessly curious, and whose heart was unwavering in its devotion to the people he loved.

Born on July 3, 1951, in Zakho, Iraq, Polus lived a life shaped by resilience, intellect, and an abiding belief in human connection. An educator in every sense of the word, he believed language was more than communication, it was a bridgebetween people and cultures. Fluent in six languages, he moved through life with deep appreciation for history, art, and culture.

During the 1991 refugee crisis, Polus helped launch and lead Caritas’ humanitarian program in Istanbul, creating education and community for displaced children while also serving as a trusted translator for the Turkish embassy, guiding families through asylum and immigration. After immigrating his own family to the United States in 1993, he continued his lifelong mission of teaching and connection, offering ESL instruction, becoming an Arabic instructor at the Defense Language Institute, and helping establish its Kurdish language program. Across continents and decades, his work remained the same at its core: fostering connection through language, education, and compassion, a commitment he carried forward by earning his Master’s in Education in his fifties.

But beyond all he accomplished, Polus will be remembered for how he made people feel.

Generous, adventurous, and a natural storyteller, he had a gift for bringing people together. He formed deep and lasting friendships and made strangers feel like old friends within moments. He loved deeply and lived fully, finding joy in great food, especially his wife’s cooking, his daily tea, his love of soccer, and exploring new places. He believed life was richest when shared, surrounded by conversation, laughter, and community.

His faith was a cornerstone of his life. He served as a deacon and remained steadfast in his devotion to God. His passing during Holy Week feels especially meaningful, reflecting the faith, humility, and strength that guided him.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 47 years, Terez (Amelia), his children, Karolin, Ninos, Olivia, and Carlo, and his siblings, Layla and Zeki. He is reunited in eternal rest with his beloved son, Oliver.

Polus lived a life of purpose, compassion, and deep connection. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, in the connections he forged between people and cultures, and in the family who will carry his spirit forward.