Dr. Paul K. Debbane

In Loving Memory of Dr. Paul K. Debbane June 17, 1931 – July 17, 2026 Dr. Paul K. Debbane was born on June 17, 1931, in Beirut, Lebanon. He was educated by the French Jesuits and earned his medical degree from St. Joseph’s University in Beirut in 1957. On July 1, 1957, Paul came to the United States for his medical internship at Youngstown Hospital in Ohio. It was there that he met Estelle Vergis, the woman who would become his beloved wife and lifelong companion. They married in 1958 and soon moved to Cincinnati, where he began a residency in OB-GYN at Bethesda Hospital. He continued there for two additional years as chief resident in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, earning the respect of colleagues through his intelligence, precision, calm manner, and dedication to patient care. In 1962, he joined a private OB-GYN practice in Hamilton, Ohio, where he would build a distinguished career. A renowned and highly skilled physician and gynecological surgeon, Paul was one of the first board-certified OB-GYN specialists in Hamilton. He served as chief of staff at Mercy Hospital and on numerous professional committees. He practiced for 35 years and delivered more than 12,000 babies, becoming part of the lives and stories of countless families. One of the proudest days of his life was when Paul became a U.S. citizen in 1967. He loved and embraced his adopted country while carrying with him the values and traditions of his heritage. Upon his retirement in 1992, Paul was honored in a way that reflected the deep appreciation of the community he had served for so many years. He was presented with the keys to the City of Hamilton, Ohio, where the mayor proclaimed the occasion “Dr. Paul K. Debbane Day,” a fitting tribute to his years of commitment, healing, and dedication. For Paul, whose manner was humble and never boastful, the honor stood as a public recognition of a life’s work carried out with quiet excellence. Paul remained active in medicine by lecturing at the University of Cincinnati and continuing to share his knowledge and experience with future generations of physicians. He was a lifelong learner and regularly attended continuing education courses throughout his retirement. Beyond his work, Paul found great joy in family and in the simple pleasures of life. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of his life, and he loved their many family gatherings and celebrations. He leaves behind his loving wife of 67 years, Estelle; four children, Angele (Tony) Jabre, Charlie (Amy) Debbane, Carolyn Shockey, and Bill (Laura) Debbane; and 10 grandchildren, Nick (Julia) Jabre, Stephanie (Spencer) Miller, Alex Jabre, Kayla (James) Scott, Anne Debbane, Katie Debbane, Elizabeth Debbane, Claire (Ryan) Stenken, Sophie (Andrew) Bier, and Christopher Debbane. He also leaves behind six great-grandchildren: Elsie and Mabel Miller, Jaylen and Mia Scott, Cecilia Jabre, and Mark Stenken. Paul also leaves behind many beloved extended family members, including Danielle and Yves Geahchan of Beirut, Lebanon; Gilbert and Monique Turk of Boston; Larry and Marie Ferguson of New Jersey; and their families. Paul was preceded in death by his mother, Angele; his father, Khalil; his sister, Marie Rose; his beloved son-in-law, Mark Shockey; and his granddaughter, Grace Debbane. Paul was a devout Catholic whose faith was the foundation of his life and career. He lived his beliefs each day, inspiring his family and all who knew him. Paul credited his Catholic education as the foundation of his success and happiness, and he remained a lifelong champion of Catholic education, believing deeply in its lasting impact on future generations. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Osprey, Florida, on July 30 at 11:00 a.m. Private interment will be held in Hamilton, Ohio at a later date. The family respectfully requests that no flowers be sent. Instead, memorial donations may be made in Paul's honor to Stephen T. Badin High School by using the link below: https://www.badinhs.org/memorialdonation.html?shem=rimspwouohc,

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Dr. Paul K. Debbane

June 17, 1931 - July 17, 2026