Peter Denis de Ipolyi, M.D.
1945-2017
Beloved Dr. Peter de Ipolyi, affectionately known as Dr. D by patients, colleagues, family and friends, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2017 in Houston, Texas.
Dr. de Ipolyi was born "on the road" during his family's escape from Hungary on April 7, 1945 in the tiny Austrian town of Mank. The first five years of his life were spent as a refugee until his father, also a physician, secured permission to take the family to America. The family settled in Gabriels in far upstate New York where a tuberculosis sanitarium was located in the Adirondack Mountains. There his father completed a five-year medical residency as required of all foreign trained physicians, until 1955, when the family moved to Saranac Lake.
Dr. D graduated high school at 16 and went on to the first year that Boston University School of Medicine offered a six-year medical program. He then came to Houston in 1967 and interned at Ben Taub General Hospital. He completed two years of residency training with Drs. Denton Cooley and Michael DeBakey at Baylor College of Medicine followed by three years of residency beginning in 1970 at Sisters of Charity - St. Joseph Hospital. In 1973, Dr. de Ipolyi met Dr. John Stehlin and completed a one-year surgical oncology fellowship with The Stehlin Foundation for Cancer Research. From that point forward, he knew surgical oncology was the path he was meant to take, and he followed it for 40 years.
Dr. de Ipolyi became a partner in the Stehlin & de Ipolyi Oncology Clinic and Associate Scientific Director of The Stehlin Foundation for Cancer Research. He was also a surgical oncologist and general surgeon at Sisters of Charity – St. Joseph. Dr. de Ipolyi was well-known in the scientific and medical community for his expertise in the surgical treatment of breast cancer, melanoma, and other solid tumors. He took great pleasure in teaching young surgical residents and saw many go on to excellent careers throughout the country.
His patients adored Dr. D because he spent as much time as needed with them and their families and was always available to answer their questions and soothe their fears. He was truly one of a kind- brilliant, compassionate and loving with a vibrant personality and a strong drive to help others. Dr. D touched so many lives and will be tremendously missed by all.
Peter is survived by Marit Bjelland de Ipolyi, his loving wife of 48 years; daughters Danielle de Ipolyi Ryan and her husband Brad, and Erica de Ipolyi; grandchildren Aiden and Kathryn Ryan; brothers Harold Ipolyi and Ben de Ipolyi and his wife Susan; sister Esther de Ipolyi; sister-in-law Krista Wetterau and niece Lindsey; nieces Lori Dagley, Toni Gunning and Amy de Ipolyi; and nephew Jeffrey de Ipolyi. He is preceded in death by his sister Barbara and parents Dr. Francis X. and Julia Ipolyi.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at 10:00 AM at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2140 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to your personal charity of choice in memory of Dr. D.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Oct. 15, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Ipolyi

10 Entries

Janette Saizan

May 28, 2023

Our sincere much belated condolences to Dr. de Ipolyi's family. Dr de Ipolyi was a Godsend in 1996-97 in care and treatment. I will always remember his words afterwards, "Live like it never happened." May God continue to bless you all as you carry on Dr. D's legacy.

Karen L Boecker

October 30, 2022

I was thinking back on some great memories today of Dr. D and my husband, Bill. Bill was Dr. D's patient for many, many years. We first met him back when my husband was diagnosed with stage 4 melonma in the early 80's and referred to the Stehlin Clinic. Bill and Dr. D soon became more than just patient and doctor. Dr. D gave me many more years with my husband than we every dreamed possible. I'll never forget the tears in his eyes when Bill asked to be taken off life support on Dec. 28, 2005. Dr. D loved my husband and we all loved him. I am very sorry to hear that he has passed, but I know he and Bill have rekindled their friendship in heaven.

Linda Webb

June 1, 2020

I just learned the sad news of Dr. Ds Passing which was over three years ago. He was truly the most compassionate caring physician that I have ever known. I credit him for my survival some 30 years later. He always made time for my calls and questions and then would ask me if I had time to for a story or a joke. I know that he will always be missed and loved.
Linda Webb

Narayne Rougeau

May 30, 2018

I just decided to look up Dr. D's name today to see what he may be doing and was so saddened to learn he had passed away late last summer. He treated me for breast cancer when I was a young mother in my 30s with two small children. I was so afraid I would not live to see them grow up. That was 24 years ago, and both of my children are grown, married, and have each given me grandchildren. I always loved driving over to Houston from Louisiana to see him for my check-ups. I even flew back to see him once I moved to Utah 12 years ago. It wasn't until he retired that I began seeing another physician out here. He was fun, charming, and witty, and he had such a hearty, delightful laugh. I always felt safe and secure in his care. I hope his family knows how much he helped so many people through the years. There will never be another like him.

Anna Maria Wood

February 10, 2018

Bless you Dr. D. Just learned of your passing and I'm so sorry. We, the nurses at 9 Main
St. Joseph's Hospital, respected and loved you more than any one there. You made us feel like partners in caring for your patients along with them. You sat on side of their beds and listened, explained the plan of treatment and reassured them all.
Then when my turn came to be your patient,
I had no doubt about your advice on the best
outcome. We carried it thru and have never
being happier. Thank you for saving my life.
Enjoyed sharing our parallel European beginnings and our love of Luciano Pavarotti.
RIP Dr. D. and sing with the tenors !
My condolences to your loving family.
Anna Maria Wood, RN

Joyce Laws

October 19, 2017

Dr. D saw me through my first bout with breast cancer. He was always positive, cheerful and supportive. My husband accompanied me to every appointment and they developed a joking relationship which made the journey through surgery, chemo and radiation easier to bear. He was so dedicated to his patients that it seemed he was always there and available for any concerns. I will miss him.

October 16, 2017

Dr. D. treated me 25 years ago as a young mother for breast cancer. I will never forget his compassion and kindness during my year of surgery, treatment and follow up visits. Wishing the family peace in knowing that he was such a great man and gifted physician. Rest in peace, Dr. D.

Patricia Nitsch

October 16, 2017

I credit Dr. D for for extending my life so that I could witness my children grow into fine adults and share the joy a of a grandchild. He listen carefully and was reassuring thru out my treatment for breast cancer. He shared his love of travel and the arts on each visit . My family and I will be forever grateful for having him as my doctor and are sincerely sorry to hear of his passing. Blessing and prayers sending your way, Patricia Nitsch

Coleen Brown

October 15, 2017

Thank you Dr. D for all you did with your knowledge and caring for my family and myself. Such a wonderful surgeon being your patient and a student in the OR. Enjoy your opera music in heaven.
Coleen Brown

LDW

October 15, 2017

My deepest sympathy to the family during your time of grief. May God's loving-kindness comfort you and help you through this difficult time ~ Psalm 119:76

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