Keyvan Karbasioun

Keyvan Karbasioun, deeply loved by all who knew him, passed away peacefully on Wednesday October 2, 2024, in Northampton surrounded by his loved ones after a long and courageous battle with an illness. Born on December 10, 1950, in Abadan, Iran, Keyvan spent his early years in Tehran, where he excelled academically. He graduated with honors from Alborz High School, earning a prestigious scholar prize from the education minister. His thirst for knowledge led him to the University of Kansas and University of Massachusetts - Amherst, where he earned multiple degrees: a bachelor’s in Romance Languages, another in Chemical Engineering, a master’s in political science, and a Doctorate in Education. His true passion, however, was teaching, and he spent more than two decades as an Associate Professor of Languages at Fitchburg State University, inspiring countless students along the way. Keyvan's gift for languages was extraordinary. Alongside his native Persian and fluent English, he mastered Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, Swedish, and in recent years, began learning German and Turkish. He made it a point to connect with people in their native tongues at every opportunity, a reflection of his deep respect for culture and human connection. He was not only a scholar of languages but also a selfless bridge for his family. He guided and supported his siblings and relatives through the challenging immigration process and played an essential role in helping them build new lives in a new country. His impact will be felt for generations. Despite his own hardships, including a two-year illness that confined him to bed, Keyvan remained selfless, always thinking of others. His visitors were greeted with warmth and always left with the most sincere and heartfelt, "be careful driving," a simple but powerful reminder of his caring spirit. Keyvan’s siblings will forever cherish his strength and support, particularly during their father’s passing, when he, as the eldest son, provided immense comfort and stability while quietly grappling with his own grief. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mostafa and Batoul (Homayon) Karbasioun. He is survived by his siblings, Zohreh, Kamran, Mehran, and Matin, their families, and a loving extended family of aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews. The family extends their deep gratitude to the staff at Care One at Northampton, Baystate Hospital, and New England Hospice for their compassionate care during Keyvan’s final years. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The American Cancer Society, The Parkinson’s Foundation, or a charity of your choice, in honor of Keyvan’s legacy of love and learning. A celebration of his life will be held Sunday, October 27, 2024, at 1 PM. It will take place on the 11th floor of Marriott located at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Campus Center building. DROZDAL FUNERAL HOME OF NORTHAMPTON HAS BEEN ENTRUSTED WITH HIS SERVICES. For more information, or to leave the family a personal condolence, please visit Drozdalfuneralhome.com

Keyvan Karbasioun

December 10, 1950 - October 2, 2024