Dr. Peter Botchan

Dr. Peter Botchan: Beloved Father, Friend, and Physician

Dr. Peter Botchan, of Weston, died November 14, 2024 at Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln. He was 78.

Born on April 9, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York, Peter, known affectionately as “Deke” to close friends and family, was the son of the late Jack and Barbara (Koss) Botchan. Raised in New York City, he graduated from Lincoln High School before earning a B.S. in Chemistry from the City College of New York, a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from UC Berkeley, and an M.D. from the University of Miami.

Peter dedicated over 25 years to the practice of internal medicine in Massachusetts, where he held a private practice in Wilmington and was affiliated with Winchester Hospital, Lahey Hospital, and Melrose Wakefield Hospital. Known for his diagnostic skill, sense of humor, and kind nature, he was celebrated by both patients and colleagues. He was voted to the prestigious “Top Docs” list by Boston Magazine, received an exceptional service award by Lahey, and was beloved by his patients. He retired from medicine in 2018, but stayed in touch with many of his patients and continued to support his community informally with his vast knowledge of medicine. 

Before practicing medicine, Peter had a distinguished academic career. He conducted molecular biology research at UC Berkeley and later held roles at the Carnegie Institute for Science and the Wistar Institute. His research focused in large part on the mechanisms by which viruses infect bacteria, showing that the twisting of DNA beyond the double helix facilitates gene expression, and continues to be important for cancer biology. Although dedicated to scientific discovery, after many years of research he felt a calling to blend his intellectual pursuits with patient care, leading him to pursue an MD degree. He attended a two-year Ph.D. to M.D. program at the University of Miami, and later did his residency at both George Washington University Hospital in Washington, DC, and at Johns Hopkins affiliated hospitals in Baltimore. This decision to pursue medicine marked a turning point in his life, allowing him to bring his sharp intellect and keen intuition directly to patient care and helping people. 

To Peter’s family, he was loving, supportive, protective, and full of joy. Together they loved traveling, watching sports, going out to coffee shops, visiting local farms, eating together, spending time with the grandchildren, and they shared countless moments of love and companionship. Peter is remembered fondly as an avid reader; a connoisseur of fine art, classical music, wine, antique watches, porcelain; a lover of nature, often hiking, backpacking, and walking the family dog; and for his many hobbies such as gardening, photography, and writing. Also known for his love of clothes, he never missed a sale at Louis Boston. 

To his friends, Peter was a trusted advisor, a witty conversationalist, and a lifelong companion. His friends often turned to him for his on-point and candid medical advice, earning him the nickname “The Quack”, and they shared debates and jokes that lasted decades. Peter loved nothing more than traveling, conversing at dinners, debating philosophies, and sharing laughs with his friends. Peter’s friendships were enduring, a testament to his generous and loyal spirit.

Peter’s life was one of immense love and dedication. His family, friends, and community will remember him as a beloved family member, a compassionate doctor, and a devoted friend. His legacy of kindness, intellectual curiosity, and service to others will live on in the countless lives he touched.

Peter was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Barbara, and his sister, Rhonda. He leaves his sons, Alexander Botchan, and Nicholas Botchan (Julie), his grandchildren Theodore and Leonie; his former wife and longtime friend, Kathryn Olyniec; his brother Michael Botchan (Ruth); his niece Rachel Botchan (Hal Brooks) and their son Benjamin, and large community of extended family, lifelong friends, colleagues, and patients. 

Family and friends gathered to honor and remember Peter’s life on Saturday, November 16 in Linwood Cemetery in Weston. If you would like to send a gift, the family asks that you donate to the Parkinson’s Foundation.