Sam Haddad

Sam Haddad, age 61, passed away unexpectedly at home on August 21, 2026. Sam was a beloved husband, father, brother, son, friend, mentor, and attorney who made a lasting impact on all who met him. His family will remember him as a caring, loving, and supportive father, who instilled in his children an appreciation for culture, travel and adventure by taking trips to Latin America, Europe and the Middle East, where his children were able to meet his extended family.

Sam was born on July 17, 1965 in Tehran, Iran. As a child, he lived in Iran and Spain before settling in Austin, Texas. After graduating from Austin High School, Sam attended the University of Texas at Austin for both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees. Sam attended the University of Texas School of Law, and obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Southern Methodist University School of Law. Following graduation from law school, Sam served as Assistant Attorney General and Assistant General Counsel for the State of Texas where he focused on issues pertaining to access to public information and administrative law. During and after law school, Sam volunteered at immigration clinics because of his interest in international and immigration matters. Sam’s own experience as an immigrant to the United States inspired him to establish his immigration law practice in 2001.

It was at Austin High School that Sam first met Suzanne “Michelle” Miller, who would eventually become his wife and the light of his eyes. Sam and Michelle looked forward to celebrating 43 years together in March 2027. Partners in life and in love, Sam and Michelle brought four beautiful girls into the world - Ariana, Susannah, Sophia, and Isabella. Sam is survived by his wife, Michelle, his daughters Ariana Shabro (CO), Susannah Haddad (MO), and Isabella Haddad (TX), as well as his sons-in-law, Vahid Shabro (CO) and Stephen Lindemann (MO). Sam loved being ‘Papa’ to his grandchildren Armin Shabro (CO), Milad Shabro (CO), and Jane Haddad-Lindemann (MO). He is also survived by his brother Sardar Haddad (CA), sister Nahid Hosseini (IR), niece Mahshid Saleh (IR), and grand-nieces Gelareh Ghadirian, Golshan Ghadirian, and Kimia Ghadirian (IR). Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Nasser Haddad and Susan Rostam Afshar, and his daughter, Sophia Elizabeth Haddad.

In the course of growing his own family and building his law practice, Sam enjoyed cycling and hiking, listening to live music with Michelle, gardening, restoring old Fiat Spiders, and traveling both in the United States and abroad. Sam was a member of multiple professional organizations including the State Bar of Texas, Texas Bar College, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), and AILA Texas Chapter. In his free time, Sam enjoyed being a featured speaker to university groups and community organizations where he presented information about various immigration topics.

Sam was active in the Austin community, where he served as President of The Rotary Club of West Austin, and he was a member of the Rotary E-Club of Central Texas. Sam’s other interests included participating with the Austin Fiat Club, and his local neighborhood association. Sam was looking forward to attending upcoming concerts with his beloved wife Michelle and traveling to visit family. He had recently expressed a strong desire to visit more national parks and take more time to travel with Michelle. Sam was a voracious reader and avid cyclist who loved cycling and arm wrestling with his grandchildren.

A private family celebration of life service will take place in memory of Sam. Family members, friends and colleagues will gather to share joyful remembrances of Sam’s rich and full life. It was far too short, but we are grateful for the time we had with Sam, the love he shared, and the lessons he taught us.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution in honor of Sam Haddad to the Texas Access to Justice Commission at https://texasatj.org/, American Civil Liberties Union at https://www.aclu.org, Health Alliance for Austin Musicians at https://www.myhaam.org/, and The Rotary Club at https://www.rotary.org/.