Dr. Eugene Michael Bozymski,

February 15, 2024

Chapel Hill, North Carolina - Dr. Eugene Michael Bozymski, 88 beloved husband, father, grandfather and gastroenterologist passed away peacefully at home on February 15, 2024. He was the youngest of six children born in 1935 to Clementine and Alexander Bozymski in Mansfield, Ohio. He is survived by the love of his life for over 70 years, Mary Kay.

Gene graduated from John Carroll University and Marquette School of Medicine in a remarkable six years. Gene trained at Scripps Mercy in San Diego and returned to the Medical College of Wisconsin for his three year residency as he began his over 50 year career as a gastroenterologist. A two year stint in the US Army was followed by his final posting at Marquette. A fellowship at UNC School of Medicine helped to prepare him to serve as Professor of Medicine and Head of Endoscopy at Carolina for many years.

Dr. Bo held esteemed positions within various medical societies. His commitment to excellence in patient care and dedication to nurturing future generations of gastroenterologists were evident in his leadership roles and mentorship of GI fellows. He served as Governor of North Carolina for the American College of Gastroenterology on two occasions and attained the status of Master with both the American College of Gastroenterology and the American College of Physicians. He was also recognized as a Fellow of the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the American Gastrointestinal Association.

In 2007, the Mary Kay and Eugene Bozymski and Linda and William Heizer Distinguished Professorship at the University of North Carolina Medical School honored his legacy. A loyal Tar Heel, he cherished Carolina Athletics and was an avid fan of Marquette basketball and Notre Dame football. Gene loved sports specifically tennis, football and fishing and was a member of the Chapel Hill Choir for over 30 years. He especially enjoyed the beach with his grandchildren.

Medicine was his vocation, but faith and family were his lifeblood. Family was his greatest joy. Gene Bozymski is survived by his wife Mary Kay and four sons; Mike (Cathy), Mark (Mary), David (Nata), and Eric. He was affectionately known as "Pop Pop" by his ten grandchildren; Mary Catherine Maus (Michael), Evan (Sunny), Blake, Isabel, Sophie, Max (Caroline), Alexandra Bressoud (Hayden), Emma, Sarah and Abigail and great granddaughter, Charlotte Maus. Survivors also include his brother Eddie (Kris) and sister Jenny. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Lee and two brothers Tony and Val.

A service to celebrate Gene Bozymski will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Chapel Hill on Friday, March 22 at 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Mary Kay and Eugene Bozymski Professorship Fund at UNC Health Foundation. www.unchf.org/bozymski

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

Published by The News & Observer on Feb. 25, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Bozymski

14 Entries

Carolyn Nunes

May 10, 2024

Dr. Bozymski was my GI for quite a while, and his true compassion was always felt, by myself & my family. Although I had not seen him in a number of years, I always thought of him. I was just checking in to see what he was busy doing these days... and, in fact, thats how I just learned of his passing today! I pray his family and friends are comforted in knowing that we will all be reunited again, in our FATHER'S New Kingdom. AMEN

Douglas Robertson

March 18, 2024

I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Dr. Bozymski's death. I had the great fortune to work with him when I was a GI fellow at UNC (1996-2000). Like others are attesting here, he was a wonderful teacher and his words and guidance live on within my memory as I practice endoscopy.

Now as a teacher of endoscopy myself, I try to emulate what he taught me so many years ago. Some of those tips and techniques are practical. But the most important lessons go beyond the dials and buttons of the scope. Be gentle, be patient and never--no matter the clinical circumstance--lose your cool, raise your voice or show visible upset. Remain calm and focused on the task. Talk quietly and soothingly to the patient (and any others in the room that need soothing!) and the issue or problem at hand will be successfully tackled.

He was an extremely talented endoscopist and an equally kind and gracious individual. He was a role model who will be sorely missed.

My deepest condolences to all his friends and family including Mary Kay who (along with Dr Bo) hosted us for dinner on a number of occasions when I was a GI fellow.

David and Marsha Warren

March 10, 2024

Gene and Mary Kay lived next door on Lyons Road for several years while he was gaining stature in his profession. Nevertheless, we were simply neighbors who became good friends over Mary Kay's rosebushes that separated us. Our boys became buddies and nothing much separated them from having fun together. Our daily greetings to Gene and Mary Kay were marks of our friendship.

David and Marsha Warren

Jeffrey D Jones

February 29, 2024

It is with a heavy heart that I learned of the passing of Dr. Eugene Bozymski.
I considered Gene both a mentor and a friend during my internship, residency and gastoenterology fellow ship at UNC as well as subsequent years in practice.
He was one of the main reasons that I became a gastroenterologist.
Gene was a skillful caring physician as well as an excellent human being.
My condolences and best wishes to his family.
Jeff Jones
friend

Mark E. Murphy

February 28, 2024

Bo was the consummate endoscopic teacher, able to lead each of his fellowship trainees to be a better physician both by example and by gentle in-depth instruction. He´d let us flail about a bit before taking the scope in his own gifted hands, remarking, "Let me show you a little something here," and then-presto! He´d accomplish some alchemical endoscopic magic.

Bo was a gentle soul, filled with compassion for all, and a family man above all else. That much was plainly evident to all who knew him.

He was a giant, despite his diminutive stature.

There will never be another Gene Bozymski.

Sanjib Mohanty, MD

February 28, 2024

Dr. Bozymski was the epitome of the consummate physician. His patience, kindness and empathy for both his patients and students have touched so many. I am fortunate to have been included. I will forever cherish my time under his tutelage. A teacher of medicine and life. Thank you Dr. Bo for being a guiding light.

David Grunkemeier, MD

February 28, 2024

I was a gastroenterology fellow at Chapel Hill, 2003 to 2007 with the wonderful Dr. Bo. I carry with me into my practice, the patience, kindness, and humanitarian approach to medicine that I learned from Dr. Bo. As a lifelong sportsman myself, I marveled at how he combined his athletic prowess with his gifted intellect, as he created a life for himself in medicine and beyond. Tonight, my co-fellows and I fondly remember the eternal wisdoms and witticisms of Dr. Bozymski.

May those that are faithfully departed in the mercy of God, rest in peace, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.

Kunwar Sohal

February 28, 2024

Dr Bo was patient, thoughtful, funny and a great teacher. I will cherish our times talking football and him standing next to me, nodding and saying, "Yup go ahead and biopsy that." Condolences to his loved ones.

James T. Frakes, MD

February 28, 2024

Bo was a treasured colleague, mentor, and friend. He fostered my early interest in ERCP and associated therapeutics when I was a fellow at UNC in the late '70s. I made sure, when I was President of the ASGE, that he received the Master Endoscopist Award that he so richly deserved, at DDW 2000. One of my proudest moments came when BO asked for copies of MY slides following a lecture on ERCP that I delivered in Phoenix, AZ, in 2001. He will be sorely missed.

Ryan Wanamaker MD

February 28, 2024

Dr. Bo was the example all fellows who trained with him aspired to achieve. Knowledge, passion, empathy- he inspired with each interaction. We have so many stories and found memories. Seldom in medicine has one person truly touched so many. Thank you Bo for being part of our lives.

Allan Hardy

February 28, 2024

I remember how supportive he was, and how patient he was during my time at UNC. He was a great teacher. He´ll be very missed...
Allan L. Hardy, MD

Henry Nathan

February 28, 2024

Julie and I are so sad to learn of Bo's death. We know he will be dearly missed by his large family and many friends. He was a brilliant physician, superb teacher and mentor, and a delightful and kind person. I am forever grateful for having known him and having had him as a role model.

Kelly Verner

February 27, 2024

Dr. Bo was a profound man, I can't remember a time whenever I asked him a question, he would not only explain to you what he was saying he would draw me a picture to help me understand what I was asking. Dr. Bo will be missed in my heart and thoughts. As we would call his wife {Mrs. Bo} stay strong as the woman I know you are, be blessed with all the wonderful memories that you have in your heart and mind, know that you a truly loved by many that surround you, be blessed. I know losing someone you love and have spent many years with as you did with Dr. Bo, just remembering you and your loved one today and always. You will always be in my prayers and thoughts, Kelly Verner {GI PROCEDURES}

Hank Lesesne

February 25, 2024

One of my dear colleagues, friend, and hero has gone to be with our Lord. What a joy to work with him (did first colonoscopy with him in 1973 with an operating room ready if challenges arouse), playing tough with him at Sunday touch football, and watching and hearing his great coral times. Bo, we will miss you and we send our love and best to his wonderful family CHill Lesesnes

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