Ziad H. Debian

Ziad H. Debian

October 3, 1939 – March 28, 2025

West Springfield – Ziad H. Debian, 85, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Aley, Lebanon, he was the son of the late Hussein and Jamal Debian.

Ziad’s life was one of duty, honor, and profound love. He began his distinguished career by attending Lebanon’s prestigious military academy, rising through the ranks to become a full bird colonel in the Lebanese Internal Security Forces. Throughout his service, he held critical leadership roles, including head of the Beirut Detective Bureau, chief commander of Beirut International Airport, security chief of Lebanon’s largest correctional facility, assistant chief inspector of the Internal Security Forces, and special advisor to the Prime Minister. He was decorated with the Order of Merit and the Order of the Cedar for his service and, in 1977, was honored with a ceremonial revolver by U.S. Secretary of State Cyrus Vance.

While serving his country, Ziad pursued his law degree at the Lebanese University in Beirut, preparing for a future in legal practice. But war and unrest altered his course. In an extraordinary act of love and sacrifice, he left behind the world he had built and emigrated to the United States, determined to give his family a life free from violence, corruption, and prejudice.

Starting over 6,000 miles from home, Ziad rebuilt his life with the same strength and determination that had defined his military career. He became a real estate broker and founded his own business in West Springfield, helping others find stability in a new land, just as he had. With his beloved wife, Elham, by his side, he also became a small business owner. Together, they created Café Du Jour in Springfield, a place filled with warmth, laughter, and the comforting aroma of home.

But Ziad was more than his achievements—he was a man of unwavering principles, fierce loyalty, and boundless love for his family. A husband who adored his wife, a father who led by example, and a friend whose presence was both commanding and deeply comforting. His stories were legendary, his convictions unshakable, and his love for his extended international family and those around him immeasurable.

Beyond his professional and military accomplishments, Ziad was a man of culture and passion. He spoke multiple languages, enjoyed writing poetry and essays, and even translated a book. He was an artist at heart, drawn to drawing, literature, and lively political debates. He had a deep love for dogs, an affection that began during his time overseeing the correctional facility’s elite dog brigade.  A natural athlete, he played soccer in his youth, won the military academy’s equestrian title, and later enjoyed beach paddleball, his weekly golf date with his son, and traveling the world.

Ziad is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Elham Debian; his children, Dr. Badri Debian and his wife Kristen, Katia Debian and her husband Steven Zukis, and Hilda Gasteyer and her husband Michael; his brother Dr. Selim Debian; and six cherished grandchildren: Sarah, Hannah, and Laylah Debian, and Ethan, Owen, and Rooney Gasteyer. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his brother Kamal and sister Fawz Debian.

His funeral will be held at the West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home on Saturday, April 5th, at 11:00 AM, followed by burial in St. Thomas Cemetery. Visiting hours will take place at the funeral home from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM prior to the service. For online condolences, please visit curranjones.com.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate professionals at Baystate Medical Centerfor their exceptional care and kindness in Ziad’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Ziad’s memory.

Though he is gone, his legacy endures—in the lessons he taught, the values he upheld, and the love he shared. His family will honor him by carrying forward his courage, his kindness, and his indomitable spirit.