Dr. John Barry Bobear was born in Baltimore, Maryland on April 26, 1926. He graduated from Union College in Schenectady, New York in 1944 and from Albany Medical College in 1950. Dr. Bobear did his internship and residency training in medicine at Charity Hospital in New Orleans from 1950 to 1956 on the Louisiana State University Service. He did a two-year tour of duty in the U.S. Army Reserve Corps, where he graduated in Military Neuropsychiatry from the Brooke Army Medical Field Service School and served as a psychiatrist at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital. In 1956, he joined the faculty at the Department of Medicine at Louisiana State University Medical Center in New Orleans. He became Professor Emeritus in 1990 and continued to be active in the tuberculosis and pulmonary chest clinics at Charity Hospital until 1998.
It was during his tenure at Charity Hospital that he met and married the love of his life, Valerie Armbruster, head of Pharmacology at the hospital, to whom he was a devoted husband for 63 years. The Bobears were avid world travelers as well as art and music enthusiasts.
Dr. Bobear's interest and expertise in tuberculosis, which spanned many decades, began in 1952 at Charity under Dr. John H. Seabury. Dr. Bobear mentored student physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis. He served as a pulmonary consultant on the staff of Southern Baptist Hospital and revitalized the Pulmonary Laboratory and Respiratory Care Department, becoming its first director. From 1966 to 1972, he was Associate Director of the LSUMSNO Rehabilitation Institute and director for the Pulmonary Function Laboratory as well as first head of the Pulmonary Section of the Department of Medicine. During this time, he also served as editor of the Orleans Parish Medical Society Bulletin from 1968 to 1977.
At Charity, Dr. Bobear served from 1975 until 1985 as the Director of the Pulmonary Department, then Associate Medical Director then Medical Director. He returned to the staff at LSU in 1985.
Dr. Bobear was a member of the Beta Chapter of the BOA and received the Breath of Life Award of the American Lung Association in 1995. He was a past president of the Orleans Parish Medical Society and a member of the House of Delegates for the Louisiana Medical Society. He also served as Director of Investigations for the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners. He retired from practice in 2008.
Dr. Bobear was truly an asset to the medical field. Just as importantly, he was the epitome of a friend and a gentleman. He will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Valerie Armbruster Bobear, his wife of 63 years; his parents William Henry and May Barry Bobear; one brother, William Joseph Bobear; one sister, Jean Barry Bobear; two nieces, Nancy Bobear and Mary Kay Hoefgen. He is survived by two brothers, Charles Richard Bobear and David Barry Bobear; nieces Terry Gilbert O'Neil, Sandy Gilbert Burks, Norine Tarantino, Kathleen Bobear, Theresa Bobear, Eileen Buckley, Karen LaMonica and Katherine LaMonica; nephews William Bobear and Daniel Bobear and Gilbert Burks; and companion Susan Toler.
A reception to celebrate the life of Dr. John Bobear will be held at 3239 Coliseum Street on Wednesday, January 31, 2018, 6:00-8:30 pm.
To view and sign the guest book, visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries.
February 18, 2018
juzar Ali
He stood behind me one day and watched when I joined LSU and attended the TB and Chest clinic at Charity in 1991; I did not know that . Since then he had been doing the same in more ways than one. A gentleman scholar, an excellent pulmonologist, a shrewd administrator, a great mentor, a close friend, all rolled into one. A man of dignity and pride and a class act to his last breath. May he rest in peace. Amen. Innallilaewilahe-rajooon: To Him we belong ,To Him we returneth.
February 13, 2018
Pamela Seabury Carpenter
I have very fond memories of Dr. Bobear from my childhood. I knew him as a colleague of my father, Dr. John H. Seabury. My condolences to the family. I am sure he will be greatly missed.
February 2, 2018
Great teacher to many medical students,sorry to hear of his passing.If big charity were open wing should be named in his honor.
john watermeier ,LSU 1972
February 1, 2018
John Bobear
There are few people you meet in life that have a profound impact. That person for me was Dr. Bobear. Our relationship began when he came to work for the LSBME. We first started as co-workers and later he became my boss. I can truly say he was my champion and had such faith in me. Over the years he and Valerie became my friend as I would visit with them, talk to them and dine with him. He had great wisdom and insight and was such a humble man. I will miss him dearly. Rita L. Arceneaux
February 1, 2018
Tina Pickett
My sympathy & prayers to the family & friends of Dr. Bobear. I met John & his sweet wife Valerie only once when they attended the wedding of my daughter Kristen to their nephew Dan. They still remain in my memory as the consummate example of Southern gentility.
Sincerely,
Tina
February 1, 2018
Phil Kennedy
He was one of the most admirable men I have ever met, a doctor's doctor, an exemplary gentleman in every aspect. He never considered himself more important than his job or his associates. I feel fortunate to have known him. He was from a generation that, sadly, can never be replaced. Thank you, Dr. Bobear. May you rest in peace.
January 31, 2018
T S
My deepest condolences to the family of Dr Bobear. May the precious memories of the time spent together help ease the pain of your loss. Take comfort knowing that the God of comfort is ready to comfort and soothe your hearts during this difficult time. 2 Thessalonians 2:16&17
January 30, 2018
Fred Buras
I'd like to extend my most sincere condolences to Dr.Bobear's
family and friends.I first meet him when I moved across the street from him.He was the first person I met in the neighborhood. I feel fortunate that he was my friend immediately. Doc was so smart and kind. I had so many enlightening conversations with him he would often change my view. I will truly miss him,his knowledge and his humor. Rest in peace my friend.
January 30, 2018
Joe Bonck , LSBME Board Investigator
My condolences go out to his family ,
January 30, 2018
My condolence's goes out to your family
Joe Bonck, LSBME Board Investigator
January 30, 2018
Barbara Bender
To the Family: My deepest condolences, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I met Dr. Bobear many years ago when I was just a young girl working at Charity hospital. May His Soul Rest in Peace. God Be with you all.
January 30, 2018
M Davis
My condolences to the Bobear family. May God's Word and loyal love comfort you at this time. (Psalms 136:23)
January 30, 2018
My sympathy goes out to your family. May the God of peace be with you at this time of grief (Rom 15:33).
January 30, 2018
An impressive human being; incredible physician; very knowledgeable and professional in his field; will be missed by the many who was fortunate to cross his path during the time he was here to share his time with us. Condolence to his family and love ones during this dishearten time. God Speed "Doc" and may you rest in peace and watch over us.
Gerald Bayer
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Funeral services provided by:
Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more