Albert Frank Debons

Published 4:18 pm Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Albert Frank Debons

November 4, 1929 – October 19, 2023

Albert “Al” Debons passed away peacefully at his home on October 19th in Bend, Oregon, where he had lived since 1990.

Al was born in Brooklyn, New York and had six siblings. He excelled academically and was selected to attend Stuyvesant High School in New York City, followed by college at Syracuse University, in New York State where he studied pre-med and pharmacology, setting the foundation for his academic pursuits. He then attended George Washington University, Washington D.C., where he earned his Master’s and Ph. D. degrees. Al was a passionate research scientist, and his research led to significant contributions in the field of Endocrinology while working at Brookhaven National Laboratory and for the Veteran’s Administration in Birmingham, Alabama and Brooklyn, New York.

Al was predeceased by his first wife Ruth Debons (nee Quade) in 1988 and second wife Rita Jane Debons (nee Hall) in 2020 and his siblings Anthony, Joseph, Delores Rigano and Mary Amuso. He is survived by two brothers, Edward, and Robert, and by his three children Jeanne Debons, Elizabeth Guerin, and Matt Debons. He has four grandchildren, Michelle Angland, Luke Guerin, Eliza Guerin, and Julianna Debons and one great-grandchild, Finn Oliver Angland.

In 1990 Al started Mountain View winery, the first winery in Bend, at his Alfalfa Market Road home. Over the course of thirteen fruitful years, his dedication and expertise resulted in numerous accolades and awards for the wines he crafted. Al was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church and was well loved by all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 11:00 on Saturday, November 18th at Deschutes Memorial Cemetery.