Damir Matesic, M.D. (AIM ’06)

Kokomo’s beloved allergist-immunologist, Damir Matesic, M.D., a friend to all and a resident of Carmel, Indiana, joined his heavenly Father in February of 2022 at the age of 57.
Dr. Matesic was born in the historic and beautiful coastal city of Zadar, Croatia, to the late Drago and Kata Matesic. He received his medical degree from the University of Rijeka, then traveled to the U.S., where he first worked as a transplant research fellow at the Cleveland Clinic. He completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of Iowa, then obtained his fellowship training in allergy-immunology at the prestigious Mayo Clinic.
Dr. Matesic, known as Damir by most, had a joyful and generous, overflowing spirit. He made people around him smile by bursting unexpectedly into song, demonstrating his quick and silly wit, and breakout dancing. He was a highly talented cook who would whip up delicious multi-course meals single-handedly. His banana date bread was legendary among patients and staff in Kokomo, and his cheese puff pastry with red wine was a favorite among friends. Even so, one of his fondest culinary pleasures was sharing a simple pizza.
Damir enjoyed reading, watching movies, trying new restaurants and recipes, and was a devoted family member who always stayed in touch with his Croatian family with frequent phone calls and visits. Most of all, he was a devout Catholic who never hesitated to proclaim his faith in Jesus by both word and deed. He prayed with his patients in the hallways of his office, came to their prompt rescue when they couldn’t afford medical treatment, and was a volunteer physician at the St.Matthew Clinic.
He is survived by his two sisters Ljiljana (Aco) and Dijana(Bosko), and their respective son, Toni, and daughters, Tara and Eva, as well as by the love of his life, Stacy Leigh Whitt. His loved ones will always carry him in their hearts.
Those who wish to honor his life are invited to his visitation in the Narthex of his home parish, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, on Friday, March 11, 2022 at 4 p.m. A memorial Mass will follow at 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to St. Jude, his favorite charity.