Dr. John J. Kazalski, D.O., 68, of Boothbay Harbor, died March 6 at his home.
He was born March 8, 1946 in Brunswick, a son of Frank John Kazalski and Nathalie Pauline (Lindley) Kazalski. He grew up in Brunswick and graduated from Brunswick High School. He loved football and played on the high school team. He graduated from the University of Maine – Orono with a BA in zoology. While at University of Maine, he served in the R.O.T.C. and then in the Army 1969-1971 during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Texas. He finished his military service as a captain in the U.S. Army Reserve.
In 1976 he received his Master of Science in Anesthesia from Emory University. In 1978, still in Atlanta, he applied to medical school, but was told that in spite of his qualifications he was too old in comparison to other applicants. Accepting his fate at the time, from 1976-1987, he continued his work as an anesthetist in Atlanta, at Crawford Long, Grady Memorial and Cobb General hospitals. He then went on to work at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York as an anesthetist 1987-1989. In 1989 he moved back to the Northeast and decided to try medical school again. He was accepted to University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, and received his doctorate in 1994, at the age of 48, ranking third in his class. He was finally a doctor, D.O. – his lifelong goal. By 1999 he had completed both his anesthesiology residency as chief resident and his fellowship in pain management at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.
As a double board certified physician in pain management and anesthesiology, he took a comprehensive approach to managing the overall health of his patients. After three years at Cape Cod Hospital, he was lured back to Maine, and from 2002-2007 worked at St. Andrews Hospital in Boothbay Harbor as the Director of Pain Management. In 2007, he opened his own practice in Wiscasset and most recently worked at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston. For the last few years, he had been splitting his time working between Wiscasset and Lewiston. As he approached retirement, his next goal was to apply to the Hanley Physician Leadership Program.
“J” was well traveled, could do anything, fix anything and had a particular interest in real estate. While often frugal, he also was very generous to others. He was organized, self sufficient, very particular and always balanced his work with play. He was a man who embraced life to its fullest, whether he was running in the New York City Marathon, the Peachtree10K in Atlanta, going to the Olympics in Park City, Utah, flying his plane across country to Alaska, riding his motorcycle to Nova Scotia with his friend, alpine or cross country skiing, boating, or going on adventures with his mom to Popham Beach. He was also a long-time member of the Atlanta Hash House Harriers.
When it came to family, he was a devoted partner, son, brother and cousin. J and his mother shared a special bond and they loved to travel together. Over the past several years he enjoyed many trips with the love of his life, Kathi Schandelmeier. In addition to their shared passion for travel and adventure, Kathi and J enjoyed skiing, boating, jogging, biking, working in their yard and attending church.
When he was young, he enjoyed ice fishing and outdoor adventures with his older cousin, Bill Jones. He had a special place in his heart for his cousin Laurie Mitchell with whom he shared many common interests.
He loved living in Boothbay Harbor and all the friends he made in the 13 years living there. He enjoyed the beauty of the water, his favorite “watering holes,” and favorite places to eat. He loved his cats, Maggie and Maye. He loved movies and especially enjoyed watching old classics and enjoyed hosting movie night for friends and neighbors.
J was predeceased by his parents; sister, Salomea “Sallie” Hunt; and cousin, William H. Jones of Woolwich.
He is survived by the love of his life, Kathi Schandelmeier of Boothbay Harbor; sister, Elizabeth Hehn and husband Peter of Heinstedt-Ulzburg, Germany; cousins, Laurie Jones Mitchell and husband Will of Portland, and William H. Jones, Jr. of Levant; and many loving family and friends.
All are welcome to join the family for a time of visitation from 6-8 p.m., Fri., March 13 at Hall’s of Boothbay, 975 Wiscasset Rd. in Boothbay. A service to celebrate J’s life will be held 2 p.m., Sat., March 14 at St. Columba’s Episcopal Church, 32 Emery Lane, Boothbay Harbor with The Rev. Maria J. Hoecker officiating. Burial will be in the Varney Cemetery in Brunswick in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in J’s name to the College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of New England, University of New England, 716 Stevens Ave., Portland, ME 04103. His wishes were to establish a scholarship for medical students over age 40.
You can share condolences with the family at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Services are entrusted to Hall’s Funeral Home and Tribute Center, 975 Wiscasset Rd., Boothbay.
