Submitted by: Dan Rich

Frank D. Pairitz, M.D.

Nov. 28, 1933 - May 10, 2003

South Bend Tribune 5/13/2003

Frank D. Pairitz, M.D., 69, of Mishawaka, Ind., passed away at 3:15 a.m. Saturday, May 10, in Memorial Hospital. Dr. Pairitz was a pioneer in oncology care at Memorial Hospital, who retired in 1994. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame and Indiana University Medical School, and began his medical career as an intern at Memorial Hospital and subsequently became a family practice physician. In August 1973, after completing a residency in radiation therapy, he became the first radiation oncologist in South Bend, Ind., and began treating patients with cobalt in a three-room suite at Memorial. Initially treating 18-20 patients a day, the number rose to 60 a day within the first year. A new department, equipped with a 4 MeV Linear Accelerator radiation treatment machine, an Orthvoltage machine and the Cobalt 60, was opened in 1973. Soon Dr. Pairitz was treating 80-90 patients per day, sometimes as many as 100, aided by a staff of three. Over the years Dr. Pairitz has endeared himself to patients, families, physicians and staff with his approachable, caring manner.

Among the outstanding contributions to the cancer program at Memorial, Dr. Pairitz is credited with helping to organize and open the Oncology Nursing Unit in 1979 and the Cancer Registry in 1981. He oversaw the design and construction of the current Radiation Oncology Department which opened in June 1986 featuring a 6 MeV and 20 MeV linear accelerator with electrons and the cobalt treatment machines. Intraoperative Radiotherapy, Hyperthermia and High Dose Brachytherapy were added at later dates.

Throughout his career at Memorial, Dr. Pairitz ensured that a state-of-the-art Radiation Oncology Department be maintained. Dr. Pairitz was honored as a Fellow of the American College of Radiology and he also received the American Cancer Society Hope Award in 1997.

Frank was born on Nov. 28, 1933, in South Bend, to John and Mary Pairitz. Dr. Pairitz was preceded in death by his parents, and by his godfather, Frank Buzanich.

On June 28, 1958, in South Bend, he married Maryann Nemeth, who survives. He is also survived by two daughters, Katharine Pairitz-Hirl and her husband, Peter Hirl of Granger, Ind., and Kristine Pairitz Spencer and her husband, Dan of Munster, Ind.; a son, Stephen Zigmond "Ziggy" Pairitz and his wife, Teresa of Mishawaka; three grandchildren, Rachael Spencer, Teresa Pairitz and Daniel Spencer; two brothers, John Pairitz and his wife, Johanna of Mishawaka, and David Pairitz and his wife, Mary Lou of Union, Mich.; and by 13 nieces and nephews. Dr. Pairitz was a member of Our Lady of Hungary Catholic Church and was a Eucharistic minister there. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, gardening, and Civil War re-inacting.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 14, in Our Lady of Hungary Catholic Church. Cremation will follow. There will be no visitation per Dr. Pairitz's wishes.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Name Society of Our Lady of Hungary Church or to the Memorial Hospital Cancer Fund.