Riaz Hasan

Syed Riaz Hasan, 77, of Noblesville, IN left his earthly home to be with God on April 27, 2025 after a tiresome battle with cancer. He was born to Syed Bashir Ali (father) and Ghaiur Jahan Begum (mother) on March 31, 1948, in Karachi, Pakistan. At the time of his passing, he was married to his wife, Deborah Grillo, with whom he spent 23 wonderful years. He had a daughter, two sons and several grandchildren.

Riaz grew up in Pakistan and, outside of school, spent much of his childhood traveling with his father. He was known for both his intelligence and antics, and he had many friends. As an adult, he loved to regale his family with tales of his adventures in the mountains of Pakistan and all the pranks he pulled on unsuspecting family, friends and neighbors. During his adolescence, he nearly died after contracting typhoid fever. He lost his ability to walk, but thanks to the unyielding care of his family and doctors, he made a full recovery. He later graduated 2nd in his class during high school, and he went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Advanced Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Karachi. Shortly after college, he immigrated to the United States where he took graduate coursework in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Houston. He found his true passion and life’s work in new product development and in the commercial roofing industry.

Riaz had a long and storied career and had 41 patents, several of which were awarded weeks before his passing. He was published in many journals and magazines over the years. Throughout his career, he was able to travel all over the world and make life-long friends and connections. He was known as an expert in his industry and was often referred to as a “celebrity” amongst the commercial roofing community. He had a big personality with an even bigger heart. He was quick-witted, guaranteed a laugh, and was known for his bad jokes.

He met his first wife, Margaret, while attending the University of Houston. They were married in 1975, and Riaz became the stepfather to two young boys, Allen and Mika. Many years later, he and Margaret had a daughter, Maggie. Riaz and Margaret spent most of their married life living in Illinois and remained together until Margaret’s passing in 2001. Riaz remained close to all of his children the rest of his life.

Riaz’s daughter introduced him to his second wife, Debbie, in 2002. Riaz and Debbie dated for several years before buying a beautiful home and starting a life together in Indiana in 2008. They were married in the presence of family and friends in 2010.

Riaz enjoyed traveling, golfing, skiing, telling stories, a good joke, dancing with his wife, eating good food and spending time with family and friends. At home, he had a passion for houseplants and gardening. In his later years, he spent much of his summers tending to the flower beds outside his home, sitting on his front porch, chatting with neighbors and watching his youngest grandson fish. He adored his children and grandchildren and looked forward to the time he was able to spend with them. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He loved fiercely and unconditionally and will be deeply missed. He will live on through the stories and memories he shared and created with those around him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Deborah Grillo; daughter Maggie (Nathan) Lutz; sons Allen (Kim) Smith and Mika (Maria) Smith; grandchildren, Madison Lutz, Addie Smith, Zoie Smith, Emily Smith, Danny Schultz, Eric Schub, Henry Frias and Brandon Frias; mother, Ghaiur Jahan Begum; sister, Nasreen Bashir; brother, Liaquat (Farzana) Ali; several nieces and nephews and many members of the Grillo family. He was preceded in death by his late wife, Margaret Ann Hasan and his father, Syed Bashir Ali.

An open house-style Celebration of Life will be held at Riaz’s and Debbie’s home on Saturday, May 31, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, please help keep Riaz’s bright spirit and legacy alive through stories and memories.