Richard Michael Nowak M.D.

Richard Michael Nowak, M.D. of Grosse Pointe Park, MI passed away January 26, 2023 at the age of 75.
Richard was a member of the Henry Ford Medical Group since 1975 and in 1976 was a founding Senior Staff member of the HFH Department of Emergency Medicine, the residency program, and the research mission. He served as Chairman of the department from 1988-1992. His contributions to the department's clinical and academic missions over the course of his 48-year career at Henry Ford Hospital are immense and will forever set a standard.
Richard enjoyed an international reputation in Emergency Medicine with expertise in cardiac emergencies, resuscitation, asthma, and cardiac biomarker research. His intellectual curiosity and unbridled enthusiasm served him well in his academic endeavors. Anything and everything interested him, and the research he pursued matched the breadth of his interests. In the 1970s and early 80s, Richard studied the use of spirometry in the assessment of acute asthma. His work led to the popularity of hand-held peak flow meters that have become standard in assessing the severity of acute bronchospasm. Richard was a pioneer in CPR and cardiopulmonary bypass research, both in the lab and the Emergency Department. He did "bench to bedside" research decades before the term was even coined. He has served on numerous international editorial boards in academic Emergency Medicine and Cardiology, has been recognized across the globe with honors and awards for his academic work, and has been published in every high impact journal pertinent to his expertise. Richard had a lifelong compassion for learning and had an unending curiosity.
Richard was a mentor to many faculty and learners over the years, and his passion for scientific discovery has influenced countless peers the world over.
Although he had a passion for medicine, his greatest love and passion in his life were his wife and children. He loved spending time with his family and attending his children's many sporting events over the years including hockey and horse shows.
When he was not working, he loved to travel with his wife, Debbie, and their two children. Together, the family visited many countries and made many friends.
Richard and Debbie built a log vacation home together on Lake Huron. This home served as an oasis for their favorite getaway with family and friends.
Richard had a passion for cars. He loved music and played classical piano, although his true love was Rock and Roll. His favorite band was the Rolling Stones. Richard was a season ticket holder to the theater for over 40 years.
Richard lived life to its fullest. He will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Deborah (Debbie) and his children, Michael (fiancée Lauren Voigt) and Katie.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Margaret and his brother, Raymond.
Visitation will take place on Friday, February 3, 2023, from 4 pm until 8 pm at Chas. Verheyden, Inc., 16300 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Park. He will lie instate on Saturday, February 4, 2023 from 10 am until the time of the funeral Mass at 10:30 am at St. Clare of Montefalco Catholic Church, 1401 Whittier, Grosse Pointe Park.