In Memory of Dr. Gregory Boyarsky of Bethel

Obituary courtesy of Danbury Memorial

Dr. Gregory Boyarsky passed away peacefully at his home in Bethel, CT, on December 24, 2015 ending a 15-year battle with Huntington’s disease, with his loving family by his side.

Greg was born in Lexington, KY to Drs. Louis and Lila Boyarsky and was known for his gentle manner and keen intellect from a young age. He received a B.S .in Philosophy from the University of Kentucky and M.S. in Physics from the University of Wisconsin before moving to New Haven where he met his future wife, Beth, two doors down from him in the Yale University Graduate School Dorm.

He received a Ph.D. in Physiology at Yale before joining the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, where he investigated aging in kidney and brain cells. He was respected and loved by both the medical and graduate students he taught and peers he collaborated with during his 7 years as faculty, surprising all when he chose Medicine as a second career, and entering UTMB as a medical student. He completed his training at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY and chose Psychiatry as a specialty, again with a focus in aging. After completing residency he joined the faculty at Albany Medical College, working on the Consultation/Liaison Psychiatry service where he again earned accolades from medical students and Psychiatry residents, mentoring with his engaging humor, willingness to sit and listen, and help as a physician.

He survived being the equivalent of a single parent while his wife went through medical school and residency. While his days were spent in an academic arena, he also managed to be an outstanding dad to his two sons, rooting for them at every baseball, soccer, wrestling and football game, only occasionally battling with the referees. His knowledge of Physics and Science came in handy during discussions about javelin throwing, automobile engine repair and Science Fiction adventure movies.

He was at the height of his life when symptoms of Huntington’s disease began stealing away his talents, vocation, hobbies and relationships. He did not pity himself but instead did his best each day with what he could. His kindness, love for his family and wise perspective and balance of what is really important will live on in our memories of him.

He is survived by his wife, Beth Boyarsky, M.D., son Daniel and his wife Jordan and granddaughter Madison of Bethel, CT and son Nathan and his wife Christine of Trumbull, CT. He is also survived by his sister, Amy Kogut, M.D. and husband Das of Oahu, HI, her daughter Rachel Mende, son-in-law Malo and granddaughter Hikima of Lexington, KY, and her son Joshua Kogut of Seattle, WA.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday January 16th, 2016 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the Danbury Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 117 South St. Danbury CT 06810.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Regional Hospice of Danbury, a group of knowledgeable and loving professionals whose expert helpfulness allowed Greg to end his days with the dignity with which he lived. To light a candle or send a condolence in his memory, please visit www.danburymemorial.com.