Dr. Donald "Don" Slebir

(April 28, 1928 - March 9, 2016, Age 87)

Dr. Don and his wife Frances were steadfast regulars at our monthly socials, and their son Danny occasionally also attended. Don joined the Knights on April 11, 2000 and earned his 2nd and 3rd Degrees on March 10, 2001. He’s been a member of our council since and filled the roll of “Health Service” director of our council. Don practiced gynecological medicine at Dominican Hospital for over 30 years (retiring in 1997) and was proud of caring for pregnant women.

Published Obituary from March 16, 2016

Dr. Donald Francis Slebir
Apr. 28, 1928 - Mar. 9, 2016
Resident of Santa Cruz

Dr. Donald F. Slebir passed away March 9, 2016 at his home in Santa Cruz, surrounded by his loving family. He was 87 years old. He was born on April 28, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Michael and Gertrude (Ryan) Slebir. He grew up in Chicago and later went on to receive his M.D. from Loyola Stritch School of Medicine in 1953. In 1955 he joined the U.S. Navy and attended the School of Aviation Medicine in Pensacola, Florida where he trained as a flight surgeon. It was here that he met his wife Frances. He served as an officer flight surgeon aboard the U.S.S. Essex CVA-9, Fleet Air Wing #14 in the Pacific Theater. Following his military service he was a resident at Tulane School of Medicine, worked as a OB/GYN at the Touro Infirmary in New Orleans and attended the American College of Surgeons.

Having moved to Santa Cruz in 1963, Dr. Slebir had a long and distinguished career working as a physician in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology, specializing in fertility. When not working, he was an avid pilot and aviation and history enthusiast. He enjoyed cooking, traveling and spending time with his family and friends. He was a devout member of Holy Cross Catholic Church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Sons of Italy, Grey Bears and the Italian Catholic Federation.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Frances Gloria Slebir; his children, Michael Christopher Slebir (Cecile), Susanna Brigette Crowe (Andy), Mary Frances Ausley (Russ), John Loras Slebir (Cristina) and Daniel Joseph Slebir. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Samuel and Thomas Slebir, Mitchell and Perry Crowe, Frances and Bridget Ausley and Alessandro Slebir and one great-grandson, Ethan Slebir. He was preceded in death by his mother, Gertrude Slebir in 1939, father, Michael Slebir in 1978 and his brother, Michael J. Slebir in 1974.

A memorial Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 126 High St., Santa Cruz, CA on Friday March 18th at 11:00 am. To express your condolences and to share a remembrance with Donald's family please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com.
In lieu of flowers the family prefers Masses be offered at Holy Cross Church 210 High St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060 or at the Oblates of St. Joseph 544 W. Cliff Dr. Santa Cruz, CA 95060.