In Memory: Dr. Krysztof Krawczynski, Distinguished CDC Researcher

Editor’s note: the following obituary was submitted by H.M. Patterson & Son-Spring Hill Chapel funeral home.

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Dr. Krysztof Krawczyński was born in Warsaw, Poland, on July 5, 1938 and died on January 28, 2016 in Atlanta, GA.

He obtained his MD degree from the Medical Academy in Warsaw in 1962 and worked for several years in the Department of Immunopathology of The National Institute of Hygiene in Warsaw where he received his Ph.D. and Doctor Habilitatis (Associate Professor) degrees.

He completed his postdoc training at the Cornell University Medical School research laboratories of New York Hospital. He joined the CDC’s Laboratory of Pathology within the Hepatitis Branch of the Division of Viral and Rickettsial Disease in 1984. Dr. Krawczyński and his team investigated the pathologic, immunologic and virologic aspects of hepatitis B, C and E infections.

One of his most significant, original contributions to viral hepatitis research included identification of Hepatitis C Virus Antigen that was then applied to liver biopsy specimens to localize the Hepatitis E Virus Antigen.

These activities were instrumental towards advancing the CDC’s public health imperatives, contributing to the understanding of the pathogenesis of these viral hepatitis infections and ultimately distinguishing the CDC as a leading center for the study of experimental models of Hepatotropic virus infections in primates.

During his 31 years at the CDC, he collaborated on projects with NIH and FDA as well as academic centers and prominent research centers in Europe, Asia and Australia. He served as lead or co-author for more than 130 peer-reviewed publications, and wrote multiple chapters in various textbooks and volumes. He was an invited speaker at multiple national and international meetings.

He was an active member of several scientific societies. In 2014 he was elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, a designation shared by the most prominent scientists in the field. In May 2015, he retired from the CDC as a Distinguished Consultant and Chief of Experimental Pathology Laboratory in the Division of Viral Hepatitis.

Kris’ career took him to many corners of the globe, and he enjoyed travel immensely. His wife of 52 years, Elżbieta, was able to accompany him on many adventures. His favorite destination was Paris, which he visited most recently in October 2015 with his daughter. He had a keen sense of fashion and an encyclopedic knowledge and appreciation of good food, wine and music.

A true connoisseur of the finer things in life, he loved a great party and a good bowtie. He was a true gentleman and a great dancer. He was well known for his whit and sense of humor. He fostered a wonderful relationship with his family, especially his granddaughters Alexandra and Kristina.

He is also survived by his daughter, Anna Paré, M.D. Their relationship was a cherished, special bond of which he was most proud. He also leaves behind his son-in-law, Richard Paré, M.D., with whom he shared many wonderful moments and adventures.

He departed this world alongside his lifelong love, best friend and companion, Elżbieta. They will be buried together in Warsaw.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Chopin Society of Atlanta or PCAAA.

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Image via Chopin Society of Atlanta’s Facebook page