Prof. Dr Faruk Dilberovic

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Prof. Dr. Faruk Dilberovic, a distinguished physician, educator, and cherished family man, who left this world on July 21, 2024, at the age of 83.

Born in the heart of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Faruk's early life was marked by the loss of his beloved mother to brain cancer, a pivotal moment that steered him towards a life of healing and compassion. His journey in medicine began with his graduation of Summa Cum Laude from the University of Sarajevo College of Medicine in 1964. Shortly after, he started his medical career as an ER physician, then he went on to serve in the military and was stationed as a resident physician at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Belgrade. He completed his residency in Radiology at the University Medical Center in Zagreb, Croatia.

His passion for academia, research and teaching led him to return to the University in 1968, where he became Principal Research Fellow at the University of Sarajevo Institute of Anatomy, and where he subsequently obtained a Doctorate Degree in Anatomy and Physiology in 1978. From Assistant Professor to a full-time professor, he became a distinguished Chair at the Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine. He continued to work on medical research, and published several textbooks, among them Anatomy and Physiology of the Central Nervous System, Systema Articulare, and Osteology and Bone Systems. Faruk was a prolific contributor to medical literature, particularly on the central and circulatory systems of the brain, and actively engaged with the global medical community through symposiums and the Medical Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He wholeheartedly dedicated his professional career to teaching 48 generations of Medical, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Psychology students. He fondly regarded it as a full-circle moment when two of his accomplished former students expertly performed his gall bladder and kidney removal surgeries. After he retired from University of Sarajevo, he continued teaching for several years at Global University for Clinical Medicine in Riyad, Saudi Arabia. After a fulfilling career and life in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Faruk embraced a new chapter as a proud citizen of the United States, a country he dearly loved. His admiration for the principles and opportunities the U.S. offered was profound, and he cherished the freedoms and experiences his adopted homeland provided.

Faruk's legacy is not confined to the halls of academia or the annals of medical literature. It is deeply etched in the hearts of his family-his devoted wife, Elvira, loving daughters Adila Minnich and Amina Smajlovic, son-in-law Dino Smajlovic, and his adored grandchildren Zerin, Ayla, Iman, Hanan, and Aidin. His surviving siblings, sister Sanela Fajic, nieces and nephews, other family members and friends carry forward the memories of a man whose life was a beacon of kindness and humility.

To those who knew him, Faruk was the epitome of selflessness and warmth. His patience, humor, and gentle spirit uplifted everyone he encountered. He was a man of unwavering positivity, always ready with a smile and a word of encouragement. His modesty and pragmatism were matched only by his respect and kindness towards all.

As we bid farewell to Faruk, we celebrate a life extraordinarily well-lived-a life that touched countless others, a life dedicated to the betterment of humanity. His departure leaves a void, but his spirit will continue to inspire.

He was preceded in death by his father, Asim Dilberovic, mother Adila Dilberovic, née Kurtovic, and sister Jasna Ravn. His legacy of love, wisdom, and compassion endures, guiding us forward.

We thank many that have reached out during this difficult time to express their condolences, and the Bosnian American community from Columbus and Pittsburgh that have joined us in prayer.

The family wishes to honor Faruk Dilberovic with a private tribute.