John Mark Keshishian

John Keshishian, 98, died with family and friends by his side. He was a renowned academic surgeon, photographer, author, archeologist, and pilot, and blended all those interests and skills in extraordinary ways. Born on the island of Corfu, Greece, arriving in the United States at a very young age, he went on to proudly serve as a naval officer in WWII in the Pacific, returning to medical school and a lauded career in medicine. He was a professor of surgery at George Washington University Medical School, then Officer and President of the Medical Staff of the Washington Hospital Center for two decades. He was a published photographer, contributing to the National Geographic, among publications. He was a founding physician with CARE/Medico. He consulted with NASA, the FAA, the Department of State, Veteran’s affairs, and the Voice of America. Taught to fly by French pilots in Vietnam, he went on to earn flight certifications when he returned home. A rich and storied life by any measure, and he relished it all.

A service will be held at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church on November 20, 2021 at 11am. Address 1830 Kirby Road, McLean, Virginia 22101. Masks are required by church policy.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Lee, his daughters Caren, Peggy, and Alicia and his stepsons Rob, Randy, and Brad, and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son William and his brothers, James and Harold.