George E. Bryar

On August 12, 2024, Dr. George E. Bryar, LTC, U.S. Army (Retired) died peacefully. Born in 1936 to Therese and George Bryar, he attended St. Ignatius College Prep and Loyola University. After completing medical school at the University of Illinois at Chicago and residency at the Mayo Clinic, George served as an Army medical officer at Letterman Hospital and for a tour of duty in Vietnam where he was a neurosurgeon at the 24th Evacuation Hospital in Long Binh and earned a Bronze Star. He returned to Chicago where he entered private practice at Christ Hospital, Oak Lawn and Little Company of Mary, Evergreen Park.
George's work ethic, dedication to excellence, compassion, and skill as a surgeon left a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of GIs in Vietnam, his patients at home, and on his colleagues. George remained grateful for the friendship and professionalism of the many doctors, nurses, administrators, and staff who worked side by side with him throughout his life. He was a pioneer, researcher, early-adapter in CT scanning and an innovator in carpal tunnel treatments.
He was a lifelong member of the Paulist Choir and the Paulist Choir Alumni Chorale, cherishing these communities as his extended family.
George was a devoted father to his children Sharon (Robert) Eichinger, Julie (Thomas) Smith, Elizabeth (Terence) Raser, Paul (Jennifer), Colin (Sarah), Kevin (Denise), and the late Jessica Lynn Bryar; former husband of Cicely, nee Hetreed; proud grandfather of Sarah, Jeffrey, Matthew, Elaine, Philip, Gregory, Joseph, Emma, Abigail, Josephine, Katherine, Phoebe, Finn, Audrey, Avery, and Torin; proud great-grandfather of seven. The family expresses deep gratitude to the wonderful friends, caregivers and companions who did so much to enhance his final years.
Visitation to be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at St. Mary of Perpetual Help, 1039 W. 32nd St., Chicago, IL 60608.
Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 am at St. Mary of Perpetual Help.
Interment to follow at St. Mary Cemetery, Evergreen Park, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or Jessica Bryar Legacy Fund would be greatly appreciated.
Arrangements by Sullivan Funeral Home Hinsdale, (630) 323-0725 or www.sullivanfuneralhomehinsdale.com.