Ferenc Janos Kezdy

Ferenc Janos “Francois” Kézdy, age 90, died after a short illness on November 17, 2019, surrounded by family at his home in Kalamazoo. Born in Hungary in 1929, he escaped Russian occupation in the early 1950s and settled in Belgium.  In 1957 he earned his Doctor of Sciences degree from the Université Catholique de Louvain, where he also met Marie-Thérèse Colas, whom he married in 1958.  In 1961 he immigrated to the United States to work as a research associate at Northwestern University.  In the years 1970-1988 he was professor of biochemistry at the University of Chicago, also teaching biochemistry at the University of Nairobi during two sabbaticals.  After retiring from academia, he became Distinguished Scientist for the Upjohn Company.    He authored numerous articles in notable scientific journals.   A Renaissance man, he possessed sharp scientific acumen combined with artistic sensibilities.  He was an avid photographer, woodworker, fisherman and loved music. Dr. Kézdy is survived by three sons, John (Erica), Pierre (Heather) and André (Cheryl); eight grandchildren, Claire, Nicole, Lena, Mary, Annelise, Lucas, Peter, and Delphine; two sisters, Gabriella and Emöke; and one brother, Árpád.   He was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-five years, Marie-Thérèse; his sister, Maria; and three brothers, László, Pál, and Miklós.  A memorial service will be scheduled for a later date. Arrangements by Redmond Funeral Home, 4100 S. Westnedge Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49008 (269) 343-6156. www.redmondfuneralhomes.net