DR. PHILIP S. METZ, MD, FACS, CAPTAIN USNR
May 12, 1945 – June 21, 2022
Dr. Philip S. Metz, originally from Omaha, NE lost his battle with Parkinson’s disease on June 21st in Wilmington, NC at the age of 77. He is survived by his wife of almost 52 years, Dianne, and their four children: Amy Thomas (John), Dr. Wendy Peterson (Kyle), Dr. Stephanie Bird (Jeff), Robb Metz and four grandchildren: Caitlyn and Carter Thomas and Kali and William Peterson. He also is survived by four sisters: Gwen Neff (Jerry), Mary Rae Gibbons (Armand), Katherine Trenolone, Stephanie O’Keefe and a brother, Anthony Metz (Diane) and many nieces and nephews.
Phil graduated from Creighton Prep High School, Loras College, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He completed his residency in General Surgery at Oakland Naval Hospital, a fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Utah Medical Center, and a fellowship in Hand Surgery in Derbyshire, England. Phil had many professional appointments which included Chairman of the Plastic Surgery Department at Bethesda Naval Hospital, Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at UNMC, Chairman of the Trauma Department at Lincoln General Hospital, Senior Plastic Surgeon at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Lincoln, Chairman of the Board of Medical Examiners for the State of Nebraska, Director of the Oral-Cleft Palate Team for the State of Nebraska, he was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and was one of the original contributing authors and instructors for the Advanced Trauma Life Support Program. Phil founded Plastic Surgical Arts in Lincoln, NE where he practiced for 23 years before retiring to Wilmington, NC.
Phil was a patriot serving the U.S. Navy, retiring after 30 years of service with the rank of Captain in the Medical Corps. He was involved in Smile Train and CURE International, participating in several surgical missions to both Africa and Afghanistan. He also conducted two free clinics weekly for 10 years in Wilmington, NC to give back to the underserved. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, and enjoyed skiing, boating, dancing, and reading. His family though was the most important part of his life, and he will be missed by many.
VISITATION: Tuesday, June 28th, from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel, followed by ROSARY/VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Wednesday, June 29th at 10:30am at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 6116 Dodge St. GRAVESIDE SERVICE with Military Honors: Wednesday, June 29th at 1pm, Omaha National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to American Parkinson’s Association or Fund for Retired Priests at Creighton University.
To view live broadcasts of the Services, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button on the home page.
14 Comments
We have lost a great servant. God bless Phil and his family
My Condolences to Dr Metz’s friends and Family.
His humanitarian medical work in Afghanistan, and in Africa, is remembered by all who recall and appreciate the gifts and talents of a skilled surgeon, who’s kind light shined brightly upon the heart and minds of those who cried out for a miracle, and a Doctor from Nebraska came to answer those wishes.
Children smiled once again, and families were amazed that miracles still occurred.
One life creates opportunities and kindness and faith is enriched by medical outreach missions and the gifts and talents and hopes and dreams of the people of God. He walks now in Gods company,and he shall be remembered by his life and all who never forget individuals of his character and capacity to heal others. Our nation has lost a great physician who came from Nebraska and whose bright light will be surely missed.
This is the incredible doctor that walked into my room after Ben was born, and told me everything that Ben would go through in his lifetime. He was Ben’s plastic surgeon from birth to age 18 when he retired. This man had compassion and strived for perfection in his work. He fought our insurance company once and won. He put the patient first. I am so thankful he was there on Ben’s life journey. He made an impression in our lives and in the lives of thousands across the world. Thank you Dr. Metz.
I will keep his family in my prayers.
Diane and family, so sorry to hear about Dr. Metz. You were the best neighbors ever and all the work he accomplished in his life time will be felt and appreciated by ever so many. You both raised a beautiful family and may he rest in a much deserved beloved peace
I can only say how thankful I am for getting to know Dr Metz. I was burned as an infant and throughout my life I’ve endured multiple surgeries. Dr Metz was kind, patient and overly attentive in each reconstructive procedure I had, making walking easier and helping me face my fear of going barefoot in public at the age of 25. What amazing human being, with a bedside manner surpassing the norm. God bless you as you grieve the loss of such an amazing person.
Diane, I am so sorry for you and your families loss. I enjoyed working with you and Dr. Metz at Saint Elizabeth. He was a wonderful surgeon and person. God bless you all. Robin
Dr. Phillip Metz was an outstanding surgeon and an even better person. He will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting him. My thoughts are with the family at this time.
The Metz family, you try had and amazing man walk along side of you. As he will continue in a different way. Working suddenly by side for years was my pleasure. Dr.Metz was there for my family and myself with trauma. Thank you God for giving this man amazing skills.
I’m sorry for your loss. His legend will continue in many ways and. God bless you all during these times.
Sam
To The Metz family, you truly had and amazing man walk along side of you. As he will continue in a different way. Working side by side for years was my pleasure. Dr.Metz was there for my family and myself with trauma. Thank you God for giving this man amazing skills.
I’m sorry for your loss. His legend will continue in many ways. God bless you all.
Sam
Our deepest sympathies. We were honored to know Phil for many years. An outstanding man in so many ways. Our prayers for Dianne and his family
Dianne, our prayers continue for you and your family. We will always cherish the wonderful times we spent together on our trips, dinners and all the special occasions we celebrated.
Dianne So fortunate to have had Phil as a medical classmate. The Metz ‘s family was a gift to Lincoln.
Phil was a friend, medical colleague and trusted surgical consultant. A grate full life with
contributions to his patients and to all who knew him.
My warm thoughts to Dianne and the family.
In 1994, I received a botched surgery on my left hand. I was worried I was going to lose it. My wife looked in the phone book and saw Dr. Metz’s name and that he was a plastic surgeon and hand surgeon. She contacted his nurse, Peg, that morning, and by 5pm that night, he came to see me in the hospital. He said he was going to save my life first, then try to save my hand. The surgery he did to save my hand he said he never did before, but 28 years later, my hand still works great. When he did carpal tunnel surgery on my other hand 6 years later, he was amazed how strong my left hand was. He told me it would be, so I would believe it, but he really didn’t think it would. I think he amazed himself. My family and I are forever grateful for Dr. Metz. He was a wonderful person and a brilliant surgeon. We are so sorry for your loss. His memory will live on in all those he helped!
Our condolences to all for Philip’s passing. We have only known Dianne and Philip since they moved to Scotts Hill Village and regret the burden of his illness and death to Dianne and his family. He will be remembered in our prayers
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