In Memoriam

Cyrus Purvez Talati (1957-2025)

Cyrus Purvez Talati, devoted husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, in Falls Church, Virginia, at the age of 68, after a long battle with Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma.

Born in Nairobi, Kenya, to Purvez and Katie Talati, Cyrus developed a passion for economic development at an early age while attending the Nairobi School for Boys. He went on to study Development Studies at the University of California, Berkeley, graduating as valedictorian in 1981. At Berkeley, he served as president of the Foreign Students’ Association, as well as editor of the UC Berkeley Journal of Development Economics, and, most importantly, met his future wife of 40 years, Jennifer. He later earned an M.A. in Development Economics from Boston University in 1983, continuing his lifelong focus on the intersection of economics and developing nations.

Cyrus went on to build a distinguished 35-year career at the World Bank, where he dedicated himself to some of the world’s most complex and challenging regions. He worked across more than 20 countries, with a particular focus on East Asia, the Pacific Islands, and West Africa. Though based primarily in Washington, D.C., he and his family also spent five years in the Bank’s Sydney office. Respected for his intellect, dedication, and compassion, Cyrus published numerous research papers on trade, comparative advantage, and industrial development, leaving behind a body of work that continues to influence the field.

While Cyrus was deeply committed to his professional calling, he also cherished the joys of life outside of work. He had a lifelong love for cars—particularly BMWs—which he delighted in maintaining, and driving. A proud member of the BMW Car Club of America for more than four decades, Cyrus found joy behind the wheel and could often be seen zipping around the curving hills of Lake Barcroft in one of his convertibles. Friends and family will also remember Cyrus for his warmth around the barbecue, his passion for cruising around Lake Barcroft, and his generosity as a host of innumerable gatherings where he shared his culinary experiments, including his famous pistachio ice cream and spicy coconut chutney. His love of travel took him across more than 50 countries, with Italy, Greece, and Australia holding a special place in his heart.

Cyrus is survived by his wife, Jennifer; his daughter, Katie; his son, Alex; and his dear cousins Kermin, Hutokshi, Khurshed, Xerxes, Vispi, Feeroza, Sheherazad, Xenobia, Cyrus and Danny.

Cyrus will be remembered for his intellect, warmth, generosity, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others. His legacy lives on through the countless people he touched in both his personal and professional life.

To share memories of Cyrus, please visit the below website: https://everloved.com/life-of/cyrus-talati

 

Submitted by Katie Talati