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BORN
1945
DIED
2022
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Philip Metz Obituary
May 12, 1945 - June 21, 2022
Dr. Philip S. Metz, originally from Omaha, NE lost his battle with Parkinson's disease on June 21st in Wilmington, NC at the age of 77. He is survived by his wife of almost 52 years, Dianne, and their four children: Amy Thomas (John), Dr. Wendy Peterson (Kyle), Dr. Stephanie Bird (Jeff), Robb Metz and four grandchildren: Caitlyn and Carter Thomas and Kali and William Peterson. He also is survived by four sisters: Gwen Neff (Jerry), Mary Rae Gibbons (Armand), Katherine Trenolone, Stephanie O'Keefe and a brother, Anthony Metz (Diane) and many nieces and nephews.
Phil graduated from Creighton Prep High School, Loras College, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He completed his residency in General Surgery at Oakland Naval Hospital, a fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Utah Medical Center, and a fellowship in Hand Surgery in Derbyshire, England. Phil had many professional appointments which included Chairman of the Plastic Surgery Department at Bethesda Naval Hospital, Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at UNMC, Chairman of the Trauma Department at Lincoln General Hospital, Senior Plastic Surgeon at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Lincoln, Chairman of the Board of Medical Examiners for the State of Nebraska, Director of the Oral-Cleft Palate Team for the State of Nebraska, he was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and was one of the original contributing authors and instructors for the Advanced Trauma Life Support Program. Phil founded Plastic Surgical Arts in Lincoln, NE where he practiced for 23 years before retiring to Wilmington, NC.
Phil was a patriot serving the U.S. Navy, retiring after 30 years of service with the rank of Captain in the Medical Corps. He was involved in Smile Train and CURE International, participating in several surgical missions to both Africa and Afghanistan. He also conducted two free clinics weekly for 10 years in Wilmington, NC to give back to the underserved. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, and enjoyed skiing, boating, dancing, and reading. His family though was the most important part of his life, and he will be missed by many.
VISITATION: Tuesday, June 28th, from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel, followed by ROSARY/VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Wednesday, June 29th at 10:30am at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 6116 Dodge St. GRAVESIDE SERVICE with Military Honors: Wednesday, June 29th at 1pm, Omaha National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to American Parkinson's Association or Fund for Retired Priests at Creighton University. To view live broadcasts of the Services, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the "View Live Cast" button on the home page.
HEAFEY-HOFFMANN-DWORAK-CUTLER
West Center Chapel, 7805 W. Center Rd.
402-391-3900 | www.heafeyheafey.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Philip Metz
Sponsored by Heafey Hoffmann Dworak Cutler Mortuaries - West Center Chapel.
Marco Antolini
September 29, 2024
As a member of the Cape Fear Men's Club in 2012 Phil was great to be with, he would arrange a tour and dinner at the Battleship NC which I'll never forget. My condolences to his family.
steven hamilton
June 20, 2023
Just reading Phil's obituary confirms a life well lived. It is always too short but Phil accomplished so much. I hope the memory of all the good he did will soften the loss a little.
Steve Hamilton
James
October 12, 2022
Continued
to wish my old shipmates a happy Navy Birthday on13 October. 247th.
Phil and I were plastic surgery residents together;he was my chief resident and excellent mentor. Any sucesss I have had as a plastic surgeon and Navy Officer I owe to Phil.
We wish him fair winds and following seas on this his last voyage.
RADM and Mrs James R Fowler
James R Fowler
October 12, 2022
Diane and family,
Our deepest sympathy for the passing of Phil.He was an outstanding Plastic Surgeon and Naval Officer.A true gentleman!
Sorry for the delay in writing but just found out when looking for emails of old navy shipmates to wish them a happy 247th Navy Birthday on
Lee Ewing
July 3, 2022
Phil's life of service was immensely inspiring to many of us, his friends.
Margy Youngberg
June 26, 2022
Phil will now join Steve in heaven where "good food, good wine & especially good friendships" remain forever! Diane, may your Chaine memories give you comfort and a smile or two while you heal! Take care my friend.
John and JoAnn
June 26, 2022
Our loss is heaven´s gain.
Cynthia Kreps
June 26, 2022
Diane and family
Tuesday I was thinking of Dr Metz for some reason and now I know why. They were good memories Diane. Of us in the OR, Dr Metz retirement party. All of the fun we had at LGH
Like he told me once. It was the best place at the best time with the best people and it will never be like that again.
My deepest sympathies to you all
George "Scotty" Scott
June 26, 2022
Phil was a founding member of the Cape Fear Men's Club in Wilmington, NC. He was loved by those whose life he touched. On behalf of all our members, we extend our condolences to his wife and extended family. My you find comfort knowing that Phil made so many lives better just by his presence.
George "Scotty" Scott
President of the Cape Fear Men's Club
Tom and Karin Atkins
June 26, 2022
Phil was a remarkably multi-talented, compassionate, accomplished, patriotic, and service-oriented, but always humble, individual. It was a privilege to share some time with him, but I know he is now in a better place. God bless.
Elaine and Bob Gomperts
June 26, 2022
It was an honor knowing Phil. An officer and a gentleman who will not be forgotten. Peace be with you friend
Skip Collicott
June 26, 2022
Phil was always available when needed for the trauma patient.
Sharon Hofeling
June 26, 2022
I am so sorry about Dr Metz´s passing! He was an excellent surgeon
Marc S
June 26, 2022
Thank you for your military service
Eric Pierson, M.D.
June 26, 2022
He brought transformative surgical innovations to Lincoln in the 1980's, including musculocutaneous flaps and plating of fractures. His wide knowledge, training and experience seemed to give him a special insight into choosing the most effective treament option, to the great benefit of many patients. Always cheerfully available to care for the toughest problems, at any hour of the day or night, he was greatly respected by all who worked with him. Honor to his memory. Sympathy to his family.
Barbara Novak
June 25, 2022
So sorry for your loss. Loved working with Dr. Metz. Dianne prayers to you and your family during this difficult time.
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Jun
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5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Heafey Hoffmann Dworak Cutler Mortuaries - West Center Chapel7805 W. Center Road, Omaha, NE 68124
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Heafey Hoffmann Dworak Cutler Mortuaries - West Center Chapel7805 W. Center Road, Omaha, NE 68124
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