Nicholas Anthony Dodich

Nicholas Anthony Dodich, 93, passed away at his home in Arvada, Colorado, on October 5, 2023.

He was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin, to Anthony and Victoria (Palich) Dodich. He graduated from Carroll College in Waukesha in 1953 with a degree in biology. Following college, he served in the U.S. Army as a medical technician at Brooke Army Medical Hospital.

Throughout his career Nick secured numerous patents for life-enhancing and life-saving developments as a researcher at multiple universities, including the Department of Anatomy at the UCLA Medical Center and the University of Gottingen in Gottingen, Germany.

Developments included an artificial artery prothesis, an artificial heart valve, an extracorporeal blood pump and artificial heart machines. His other patents included an ophthalmic instrument for removing vitreous and fibrous bands from the retina and replacing them with saline, which has saved the eyesight of millions of patients around the world.

Nick independently developed and constructed an eclectic assortment of products reflecting his tremendous engineering acumen, including a new airframe design for helicopters, a gas turbine (jet) engine, fully automatic weapons, and a vacuum operated respirator for infants and small animals.

He was a seasoned traveler and an accomplished writer, having authored articles for Soldier of Fortune related to the civil war in the Balkans.

Throughout his life, Nick was a proud supporter of military veterans, including through his membership in the American Legion and the American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Memorial Society, as well as support for the Wounded Warrior Project.

Matching his many professional accomplishments was Nick’s outgoing nature and his contagious enthusiasm for life, reflected in the positive impact he had on family and countless friends around the globe.

He was predeceased by his parents, brother Joseph and sister Antonia.

He is survived by Robin (Bettes) Dodich, his loving wife of 46 years, his sister Mary Dodich of Waukesha, and numerous nephews and nieces.

Visitation will be held at Horan & McConaty Funeral Services Thursday, October 12 from 2:00 to 4:00pm at 7577 W. 80^th Ave in Arvada. Scripture service will be held at Horan & McConaty, Friday, October 13 at 1:00pm. Interment will be at Fort Logan National Cemetery at a later date.