Masoud Sedaghat Shirazi

Masoud Shirazi spent his last moments at home with family on Father's Day, June 15, 2025.  The day of his passing was meaningful, not only for his sons Matthew, age 40, and Michael, age 36, but truly for all of his family, both close and extended. Among many things, he was a consummate family man with an extended group of loving family, both related and chosen.  Masoud had been married to his wife Vonda (née Hilbert) for 42 years, and of this union he became a father in the typical sense.  Even prior to this, and subsequently of course, Masoud functioned as a family member to so many others.  Truly a father to many of the close friends of his children, and perhaps as most will know him, a brother, friend, trusted advisor and confidant to so many in the Northern Colorado community.

Before any local notoriety, Masoud was first a son to his own father and mother, Jafar and Bibi, being born in Kerman, Iran, on May 31, 1950.  He grew up in Iran at a time when many families there still lived a more rural and humble existence, his own included.  Notably his formative years were before the Islamic revolution, when his mother country still enjoyed a closer relationship with the United States, and it was common for more ambitious and hard-working students to want to come to the US to pursue freedom, opportunity, and the American dream. Not many made this work, especially in the way that Masoud was able. He came to the US as one of 10 children in his family, again perhaps predicting how much of an extended family he would come to have here in Northern Colorado. He was preceded in coming to the States, and in death, by his older brother Mehdi, and was also very close with younger brother Hossein, age 69, who also pursued the risks and rewards inherent to immigrating to America. Of course, Masoud also remained close with his brothers and sisters remaining in Iran and in Canada, and a tremendous number of nieces, nephews, and other extended relatives - as would befit someone driven by family, loyalty, and connection.

Arriving in the United States at nearly the same time as the first Apollo moon landing, it was clear Masoud was impressed from the outset with American ingenuity and work ethic, and brought those same traits within himself to bear on all he did. Masoud landed briefly in Denver, acclimating to a new atmosphere by attending American high school while learning English nearly from scratch. Very quickly, he again took off to Greeley, which would become his home and a community which would be imbued with his spirit and generosity over the years.

 Starting in 1970, Masoud attended the University of Northern Colorado, studying business, and forming lifelong bonds with many friends including other Iranian emigres studying there. He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business administration in record time while also working at the local King Soopers to support himself.  He was a few credits away from a doctorate degree when one of his professors convinced him to pursue the insurance industry.  When starting one of his first businesses after graduation, Masoud sought the services of a local bank to establish a new account. One of the personal bankers there caught his attention – a young Vonda Hilbert of Yuma, Colorado. He soon convinced her that he wanted more than just a relationship across the teller window, and they then married in 1983, bringing into being the nucleus of his family. 

Throughout his decades in Greeley, Masoud became known to most everyone he met as a motivated, driven, principled, and passionate entrepreneur. He made his mark first and likely most permanently in the insurance sector, founding and heading Shirazi & Associates, later Shirazi Benefits, for many years which became one of the most successful insurance agencies in the region. Therein he provided services for many in the community including other institutions and businesses, local government, and more. Later, he also developed a niche and passion in real estate and investing. He maintained exceptionally close working relationships with many others in the Northern Colorado business community. In later years, Masoud was especially proud to work hand in hand, day in and day out with his son Michael, who in many ways carries on the legacy of Masoud’s personability and professionalism in business endeavors. Masoud received innumerable business honors and awards over his lifetime and career - most notably including the 2010 Distinguished Alumnus from UNC, BizWest Bravo Entrepreneur of the Year, and the Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen award. 

Equally important to Masoud was the ability to give back to the communities and places that gave him so much opportunity. Masoud remained steadfast in his belief in the achievability of the American Dream, knowing that he had accomplished it as much as any other. He wanted the same opportunity afforded to those less fortunate. He served on numerous boards, and made lasting impacts on groups like the NCMC Hospital Foundation, the Boy Scouts Longs Peak Council, the UNC School of Business, and many others. He was especially proud of his involvement over many years with the Boys and Girls Club of Weld County, United Way of Weld County, and Monfort Children’s Clinic. Son Matthew was impacted by these humanitarian efforts and the importance his father placed on education, later pursuing a career in medicine. Masoud gave generously, spearheaded fundraising efforts, and encouraged the same generosity in his colleagues in the community and others.

More personally, Masoud will be incredibly missed by his family. Sons Matthew (Emily) and Michael (Kelsey) and their families continue to reside in Northern Colorado as a testament to their closeness. Grandsons Wyatt (6), Walker (3), and Carter (1) will miss their Baba greatly as they grow in his legacy. Fortunately, their loving Gaga (wife Vonda) will continue to be a fixture in their lives. Close Greeley family mourn the loss of a brother - Hossein (Christy) and their sons, Masoud’s local nephews, David, Marc, and Jonathan. They know the Greeley Country Club tee boxes, and bunkers, will feel empty without him. Countless close friends no doubt feel they have lost more than just that - but truly a brother, a son, a colleague, an inspiration. 

Arrangements are being made by Adamson Life Celebration Home. A memorial service, open to all he loved and who loved him, will be held at the Aims Community College Welcome Center, 4901 West 20th Street in Greeley, on July 1st. Services will commence at 10:30 am with lunch and libations to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute, www.unco.edu/nhs/cancer-rehabilitation-institute/

Link for Livestream of the Service is below:

https://video.ibm.com/channel/8CjLxjcnJTe