The Life and Legacy of

Born 1938 | Mosul, Iraq

Mohammed “Saleh” Abdul-Rahman, known to friends and family as Sal, was born in 1938 in Mosul, Iraq. He is the youngest and last surviving of four brothers: Abdul, Mostafa, Wahab, and Saleh. Sal and his brothers were raised by their mother, Fadila, after their father passed away when he was very young. Despite early challenges, Sal’s story would become one of determination, education, and service, a true fulfillment of the American dream.

Early Life in Iraq and Military Service

As a young man, Sal served approximately one year in the Iraqi military due to mandatory conscription. His strong math skills allowed him to assist the Commanding Officer with administrative duties, showcasing early leadership and analytical ability.

In May 1959, Sal legally immigrated to the United States seeking asylum as a political refugee. His journey began in New York City by boat, a common path for many immigrants of the time. From there, he followed his brother Abdul to Corvallis, Oregon, where he would begin his academic career.

Education and Early Career in the United States

Sal earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Oregon State University on an academic scholarship, working his way through college, including a summer as a lumberjack. His work involved calculating the optimal length of boards to maximize efficiency — a perfect blend of practical skill and mathematical talent.

He went on to earn a Master’s degree from Central Connecticut State College (formerly Teacher’s College of Connecticut). Following graduation, he taught at the University of Rochester and later settled in Natick, Massachusetts, where his brother Abdul worked at the US Army Research & Development Center (Natick Labs).

Family Legacy of Service

The Rahman family has a proud tradition of serving the United States. Sal contributed to this legacy through work at the Natick Labs as a contractor with the US Army Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM). His brother Abdul, known as the “father of the modern MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat),” started a family legacy of service that has continued through multiple generations of Rahmans in the US military.

Teaching Career in Natick, Massachusetts

Sal dedicated over 40 years as a Mathematics teacher at Lexington High School in Natick, Massachusetts. He coached the Math Team to many state championships and served as the Varsity Women’s Soccer coach for decades.

Sal’s excellence in education earned him the honor of meeting three U.S. presidents: Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, and Bill Clinton. In 1993, he attended a special ceremony outside the West Wing with President Clinton, a memory he proudly shares with students and family alike.

For his lifelong contributions to mathematics education, Sal was awarded an honorary Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mathematics Education from Harvard University.

Pursuit of the American Dream

Growing up in poverty in Iraq, Sal believed in hard work as a path to a better life. One of his proudest achievements was buying a home with “lots of land” in Natick, Massachusetts, in 1978. He lived there for over 45 years before moving to Kentucky in 2024 to be closer to his son, Eric, daughter-in-law Melinda, and grandchildren Taylor, Allie, and Charlotte.

Even in retirement, Sal has remained committed to education, tutoring students, particularly immigrant families who, like him, see education as a pathway to success. His dedication has impacted thousands of students and their families, creating a lasting legacy.

A Legacy of Family, Education, and Service

Mohammed “Saleh” Abdul-Rahman embodies the true American dream. From his early life in Mosul, Iraq, to his career as an educator in Natick, Massachusetts, Sal’s life has been defined by perseverance, family, and a commitment to serving others.

Through his work, his family, and the students he inspired, Sal continues to fulfill his dream: helping future generations achieve a better life. His story is a testament to the power of education, hard work, and family legacy.