Weston - Paul R. Draskóczy, M.D., of Weston, died peacefully at home on December 4, 2014 after a well fought battle with cancer.
He was born in Bečej, Yugoslavia on March 4, 1926 to the late Maria Székely and Ede Draskóczy. He graduated from Albert Szent-Gyorgy Medical University in Szeged, Hungary and then taught pharmacology there. He left Hungary in 1956 and spent a year in pharmacology research in Basel, Switzerland before coming to the United States, where he eventually earned citizenship. He was at Harvard University in the Department of Pharmacology as a researcher and instructor for many years. Later he completed his Psychiatry residency at Boston City Hospital and then worked at Mass. Mental Health, VAMC in Bedford, MA and AAD, a private group, also in Bedford. He finally retired completely when he became ill in February of this year.
Dr. Draskóczy leaves his wife and partner of 20 years, Patricia Ferguson and family, Joy Ferguson and her husband Alexander Gorlizki, granddaughters Liliana and Simone of Brooklyn, NY, and Ian Ferguson and his wife, Sherrie Thissell and grandsons Colsen and Case of Tumwater, WA. He also leaves family in Hungary; his brother Ede Draskóczy, JD and wife Imáta Eszes Draskóczy, MD, two nephews, Miklos Draskóczy, MD and his wife Melinda Székely, PHD, István Draskóczy and his wife Krisztina Draskóczy -Szogi and many grand nephews and nieces.
Paul's first wife, Dr. Camille Baller Draskóczy, died in November, 1992.
He is remembered lovingly by many friends, extended family and former patients for his wisdom, kindness and generosity as well as his vast repertoire of jokes. Paul enjoyed travel and the opera, art museums and history. He loved his family in Hungary dearly and visited regularly. Not a month went by that he didn't talk with them by phone. He never missed a birthday or a holiday greeting. Despite the geographic distance he remained involved and supportive.
Family and friends will honor and remember Paul's life by gathering for his Memorial Service on Sunday, December 7th at 1 p.m. in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances in his name may be sent to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or to the Hospice of the Good Shepherd, 90 Wells Ave, Newton, MA 02459.