In Memoriam: Dr. Riaz-ul Haque
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of IFOM and CGAE president and founder, Dr Riaz ul Haque.
Dr. Haque passed peacefully at home on April 6, 2026, 2 days before his 91st birthday.
His legacy at the CGAE will be carried on by his son Fareed Haque, president daughter in law Jill Sanderson, and microbiologist Falguni Paul.
Dr. Riaz-ul Haque passed peacefully on April 6, 2026 surrounded by his loving family, at his home in Edgerton, Wisconsin.
Born in 1935 in Simla, India, Riaz’ family moved to the newly formed Pakistan during the tumultuous Partition of India and Pakistan in 1947.
A self-taught 70 word-per-minute typist, Riaz quickly found himself in demand and by age 20 was assisting and managing numerous factories in Pakistan.
After completing an undergraduate degree in biology, Riaz began plans to come to America to continue his studies in hygiene and health science, which was to become his passion.
Riaz was so admired that numerous company presidents and friends pooled funds to sponsor his travel. Riaz set sail for USA in 1957 via Aden, Naples and finally New York.
Riaz completed his studies at Ohio State University, receiving his PHD in Microbiology in 1963.
While a student there he ran a boarding house to pay for college and was an enthusiastic ‘Buckeye’, one of his floats even winning ‘Best of Rose Bowl Parade’! While in Ohio Riaz met the love of his life, Nelly Godoy, a Chilean student at OSU, and they were married on June 10, 1960.
In 1963 Riaz was appointed professor of Microbiology at University of Illinois, where he distinguished himself as a teacher and researcher.
During his time at University of Illinois Dr. Haque published 26 groundbreaking research papers.
In addition to his research, his passion for science education led him to open the International Foundation of Microbiology. Through the IFOM and City of Chicago CETA programs, Dr. Haque educated hundreds of students in the basic sciences, enabling many to go on to successful careers in industrial and medical lab technology.
A long time resident and owner of numerous properties in downtown Glen Ellyn, Riaz was known for his kindness and generosity, as well as the many thoughtful additions and renovations that have become mainstays of Downtown Glen Ellyn.
Dr. Haque is survived by his son Fareed, daughter-in-law Jill, grandsons Elihu, Charles and Erra, and Granddaughters Brigitta and Ellenora.
Due to his wishes for a traditional Islamic funeral he was laid to rest August 7th at Forest Hill cemetery next to his beloved Nelly.
A celebration of life is planned with event particulars to be announced shortly.
