DOKU, Hristo “Chris” of North Hill, Needham formerly of Wellesley, November 10, 2021.
Beloved husband of the late Teddi Doku for 60 years. Adoring father of Deadra Doku-Gardner and her partner Timothy Gover of Wellesley. Brother of the late Dr. Joanna Doku (Brookline, MA) and Dr. Kitsa Fields (Rochester, NY). Brother in law of Geraldine Phillips of Brookline. Survived by his nieces and nephews Lucy and Peter Poulos and family of Marshfield, Odette and Jay Newsome of Stowe, MA , Annette and Walter Wolf of Hadley, MA, Christine Santwire of North Clarendon, VT and the Gover and McKinnon families. He is also survived by his devoted and awesome caregiver Helene Brown.
Born in Istanbul, Turkey he became a naturalized citizen in 1962. He received his first dental degree at the University of Istanbul and further continued his studies at Tufts University in Boston receiving his Dental of Medicine Degree (DMD) as well as his specialty in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. Doku completed residencies at Tufts University, St Francis Hospital in Hartford, CT and at University of Alabama Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama. He later was awarded a Master of Science in Oral Surgery (MSD).
H Chris Doku, DDS, DMD, MSD was appointed to the faculty at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 1957 and served as Professor and Chairman of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from 1965 to 2009. During his forty 43 years at Tufts, he served at the Veterans Administration Medical Centers of Boston, the Chelsea Soldiers Home, the Fernald State School, Carney Medical Center and Boston City Hospital. After Tufts University approved awarding tenure at the Dental School in 1964, he was one of the first dental school faculty to be granted tenure. In 1992 Dr. Doku was the first professor from the Dental School to be awarded Distinguished University Professor status. He was recognized with the Emeritus Professor Award in 1998. In addition, he received an Honorary Doctor Degree from the University of Athens in 1988.
Dr. Doku also held appointments as Associate Dean of Hospital Affairs at Tufts Dental School, and Dentist in Chief at Tufts-New England Medical Center. His leadership and commitment had significant influence on careers, advancements of programs and patient care services at the School, University, national and international levels.
“Doku” (as he was known) had an extraordinary career - he loved his chosen profession, the people he worked with, the patients he treated, and his countless number of students in Boston and around the world. He was an exceptional mentor to those lucky enough to study and serve under him. He enjoyed traveling and teaching the world but most important he adored his family and his friends. He will be very missed.
Visiting hours for “the fully vaccinated” will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St., (Rt.16) WELLESLEY on Sunday, November 14 from 4-7pm. Funeral Services will be private.
In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to the Dr. H. Chris Doku, Professor Emeritus and Distinguished University Professor Scholarship c/o Marianne Blaney, Director, Tufts Dental Fund, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, One Kneeland Street Boston, MA 02111.