Dr. Francis Matthew Bohan

OLEAN - Francis Matthew Bohan, M.D., died peacefully at home Monday (Feb. 4, 2013) after a long illness.
He was the older son of Francis A. Bohan and Anne Necas Bohan.
Born and raised in New York City, he was educated by the Christian Brothers, attending Good Shepherd Grade School, Manhattan Prep and Manhattan College and received those schools' highest honors. Dr. Bohan went on to graduate from Cornell University Medical College, where he was selected for membership in the AOA Honor Society.
Always interested in general surgery, he completed his training at the University Hospitals of Cleveland, where he was the chief surgical resident. After residency, he served in the U.S. Air Force, achieving the rank of Major and was the Chief Surgeon and Head of Professional Services at Loring Air Force Base in Limestone, Maine.
Following his tour of duty, Frank moved his young family to Olean in 1970, where he joined the Olean Medical Group and practiced general surgery for 31 years. He performed surgery at both of the Olean hospitals and was admired and respected by patients, doctors, nurses and staff. Many of these same people helped him in the sometimes difficult phases of his illness when they reached out to him in friendship.
At various times throughout his career, Dr. Bohan had many leadership roles on the medical staffs of St. Francis and Olean General hospitals. At St. Francis Hospital, he had served as Chief of Surgery, Chief of Emergency Services and was a member of the Board of Trustees. He also was president of the medical staff and Chief of Staff at Olean General Hospital, as well as serving on the Board of Trustees and chairing the board's executive committee.
During the formative years of the Cattaraugus County EMT training programs, he was a driving force in creating a single emergency service for both Olean hospitals and having full-time, in-house emergency room physicians to better serve the patients of this community. He was very involved in the eventual merger of the Olean General and St. Francis hospitals.
At the Olean Medical Group, Frank served as member and chairman of the executive committee for many years.
Frank was a member of many professional societies including the American College of Surgeons, the Cattaraugus County Medical Society and the New York State Society of General Surgeons.
Deeply committed to community service, he was active - particularly after his retirement from medicine - with the Greater Olean Association of Churches, the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, Interfaith Caregivers, Allegany River Valley Trail and the Concerned Citizens of Cattaraugus County.
In 2003, Frank was honored with the YMCA Salute to Olean Award. He enthusiastically supported Christmas in April and was active at St. John's Church as a lector, a member of the outdoor decorating and landscaping committees, a Pre Cana program facilitator and a worker at the Festa Italiana.
Frank was honored for his surgical care and kindness to many members of the Seneca Nation, when they awarded him an honorary membership in the Hawk Clan. The Seneca name given to him was "da yah dae tah," meaning "He Cuts People."
Frank relished his time outdoors and was frequently seen enjoying Olean's four seasons, whether it was hiking with his Briard dog, cross country or downhill skiing, or sailing on Cuba Lake. His major indoor hobbies were working on his elaborate train setup and building model ships. What better way to pass the time while "on-call?"
Frank is survived by his sons, James and Edward of Harrisburg, Pa., and Matthew (Liesl) of Lansing, Mich.; grandchildren, Kelly and Timothy of Lansing; a brother, Joseph (Patricia) of Olean; a niece and nephew; and several cousins.
Of great comfort to Frank and his family, he is also survived by a very special friend, Maureen Sheahan. He was predeceased by his parents and his wife, Martha Yurick Bohan.
Visitation will be held at Letro-McIntosh Spink Funeral Home, 646 E. State St., Olean, from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday. A funeral Mass will be held at St. John's Roman Catholic Church, 931 N. Union St., Olean, on Saturday (Feb. 9, 2013) at 10 a.m. The Rev. Edward Sheedy, pastor, will celebrate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to St. John's Church, 931 N. Union St., Olean, NY 14760.