Obit: Szatalowicz, Dr. Florian (1935? – 2022)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Szatalowicz

----Source: THORP COURIER 16 Feb 2022

Szatalowicz, Dr. Florian (1935? – 9 Feb 2022)

Dr. Florian Szatalowicz, age 86, Columbia, MO., died | February 9, 2022, from natural causes. A Polish farm lad and a product of Thorp, WI, he set out to make his mark on the world. He earned his DVM from KSU in 1961. Deferred for the Korean War, upon graduation the draft board insisted that Dr. Szatalowicz become 1st Lt. Szatalowicz, USAF. Dr.
Szatalowicz earned a Master's of Science Degree in Epidemiology and Public Health from the University of Missouri ('67).

He completed a Residency in Global Epidemiology at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) in Washington, D.C.
('68) and attained Board Certification by the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine (ACVPM). He then took a staff position at AFIP, where he worked in concert with federal intelligence agencies, evaluating worldwide zoonotic diseases and potential threats to the US involving biological agents. He had an extensive and exciting 20-year career as an epidemiologist for the Federal Government. This included working for the World Health Organization as an Epidemiology Consultant to the Pan American Health Organization in South America. There he implemented a rabies surveillance program for the Southern Hemisphere and tracked the movement of rabies in vampire bats. As a NASA Remote Sensing Epidemiologist at the L.B. Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX, he assisted in pioneering the use of satellites and space technology in tracking the patterns of diseases on a global basis.

His career took him to Europe, Africa, and Asia. Dr. Szatalowicz lived and worked in 12 locations during his twenty-year career. He completed his military career as Lt. Col. in 1982. Dr. Szatalowicz served as Epidemiologist at State Public Health Veterinarian with the Missouri Department of Health, and as an Adjunct Professor, Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri. Dr. Szatalowicz served his profession by being involved in the AVMA. He was involved in scientific sessions providing lectures and seminars on various zoonotic diseases and environmental issues. He established and chaired the Psittacosis Compendium and served on the rabies Compendium. Dr. Szatalowicz served in many capacities for the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). He was Chairperson of the Columbia-Boone County Board of Health, implementing a no-smoking policy for the City of Columbia. He served as member of the Kansas State University Alumni Association's Board of Directors, and as President of the National Association of State Public Health

Significant honors were bestowed on Dr. Szatalowicz: the Kansas State University Alumni Recognition Award; ACVPM's Helwig-Jennings Award for significant and lasting contributions to the totality of veterinary preventive medicine, and Governor's Proclamation/Commendation for service to the State of Missouri.

Florian was blessed with Roberta, his wife of 57 years. She was the rock that held them together. She died in 2017 of pancreatic cancer. The Szatalowicz's created what they called a Little Bit of Heaven! It consisted of fifty acres adjoining a 3,000 acre state park. Included were two lakes and all the native wild animals, from coyotes, deer, ducks, geese, owls and perhaps a mountain lion. The tranquility and serenity could only be equaled in heaven. Here they raised an All State football player, Thomas, and an AH State basketball player, Todd. The joy and memories that they produced are beyond comprehension. This setting brought family and friends for the good times. The jewel that Todd produced in the form of Titan made for proud grandparents. This blonde boy with his blue eyes, super intelligent, personality plus, bring joy to all. Roberta and F.T. created and shared many positive memories.