Firooz Jalili-Khiabani, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in West Bloomfield, Michigan on Monday, April 7, at the age of 79.

Born in Sanandaj, Iran, on March 19, 1946, Firooz grew up with an adventurous spirit and a flair for humor and performance that would define much of his life. From an early age, he was a natural showman—whether commandeering his father’s army jeep at just eight years old or performing on stage as a talented singer and drummer in his high school band. It was during one of those early performances that his future wife, Nasreen, first saw him and quietly decided he would one day be her husband. Seven years later, they formally met and began what would become a loving 52-year marriage.

After serving in the Iranian Army, where he led literacy initiatives in rural villages, Firooz pursued his passion for communication and education. He earned degrees in Communications and English from the College of Communications and Advertising in Tehran. In 1975, he moved to the United States to further his studies, earning a Master’s and Doctorate in Education from Michigan State University, and later a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from the University of Detroit Mercy.

In Iran, Firooz had previously served as head of advertising for the National Iranian Radio and Television during a pivotal era in the country’s cultural development. He worked alongside many of Iran’s most iconic artists and musicians, contributing to the golden age of Iranian media. He even recorded an album during that time—an accomplishment his family still cherishes, remembering the day they first heard his song on the radio.

After completing his doctorate, Firooz recognized an opportunity to introduce a beloved staple of his culture to his new community. In 1982, he founded Arya International Bakery, the first bakery to bring lawash bread to the Detroit market. The bakery was a commercial success and for almost a decade became a cornerstone for many seeking middle eastern offerings in Metropolitan Detroit.

Later, Firooz returned to obtain a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Detroit Mercy, embarking on a new path focused on healing and recovery. He began treating individuals with substance use disorders in private practice, and his commitment to this work eventually led him back to Iran in a consultancy role. There, he played a pivotal part in introducing the concept of addiction as a disease rather than a crime—an influential shift in the country’s public health narrative during the 2000s. His advocacy helped reshape national policy and opened the door for more humane and science-based treatment approaches.

Firooz was fluent in four languages—Farsi, Kurdish, Turkish, and English—and was deeply passionate about poetry, music, cars, history, and the natural beauty of the world. In his later years, he delighted in road trips across the U.S. in his RV, often serenading his loved ones with classic love songs and entertaining his grandchildren with his signature wit.

Though he found a home in America, Firooz carried a deep love for his Persian and Kurdish roots and often spoke of the heartbreak of being exiled after the revolution. He was immensely proud of his heritage and made it a point to pass that pride on to his children and grandchildren.

Firooz is remembered for his warmth, empathy, and unwavering belief in the power of education, ambition, and resilience. A mentor and guide to many, he helped countless family members transition to life in the U.S., offering wisdom and support freely. As a husband and father, he was selfless, loving, and endlessly supportive—always seeking to give his family every opportunity to thrive.

He is survived by his wife, Nasreen Sabouni; his daughters, Amy and Ary, and son-in-law Martin; his brother Behrooz; and his cherished grandchildren, Liam and Leila. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nosrat Afghani and Mohamad Jalili-Khiabani, and his brothers Behzad and Behnam.

A celebration of Firooz’s life will be held on Sunday, April 13th from 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 PM at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills. All who knew him are welcome to attend and share in remembering a man whose light, laughter, and love touched so many.

Flowers may be sent to McCabe Funeral Home in honor of Firooz.