MAZURCHUK- Richard Vincent, Ph.D.
- Evan Loomis
- Sep 20
- 2 min read
Richard Vincent Mazurchuk, Ph.D., 65, of Buffalo, NY, passed away on September 10, 2025, in Germantown, MD. He was born on April 3, 1960, to the late John and Dorothy Mazurchuk in Buffalo, NY.
Dr. Mazurchuk earned his B.S. in Physics, followed by M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Biophysics, all from SUNY Buffalo. His career was devoted to advancing biomedical research, with a focus on developing innovative multi-modality imaging techniques, contrast agents, and methods to assess the efficacy of experimental therapeutics.
He joined the faculty of the SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine and Roswell Park Cancer Institute, where he attained the rank of Associate Professor in the Departments of Diagnostic Imaging and Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry and Biophysics. For more than two decades, he served as Director of Preclinical Imaging Resources and Scientific Director of Clinical MR Imaging.
Dr. Mazurchuk later continued his service to cancer research as a Program Director in the Cancer Biomarkers Research Group at the National Cancer Institute’s Division of Cancer Prevention, where he worked for 15 years.
On May 21st, 1988, Richard married Susan Marinaccio. Together they raised three beloved children: Michael Vincent, Stephen Francis, and Maria Gabrielle.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Richard was a man of many talents and passions. A gifted musician, he loved playing the violin. He delighted in fine dining, and his Catholic faith was central to his life. He also had a deep devotion to our Blessed Mother.
Richard shared a particularly close bond with his late brother, Rev. Michael T. Mazurchuk, C.M., a Vincentian priest who served in Panama for many years. Richard cherished his relationship with Fr. Michael, and their connection remained a source of strength and inspiration throughout his life.
Richard is survived by his three children, and many cousins including Kenneth Rozek and Victor Wagner.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Rockville, MD, where Richard was a parishioner for 17 years, at a date and time to be announced.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 4:00–8:00 p.m. at Loomis, Offers & Loomis Inc. Funeral Home, 1820 Seneca Street Buffalo, NY 14210.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Richard’s childhood parish, St. Teresa’s Roman Catholic Church. Please assemble at church. Interment will follow at St. Adalbert’s Cemetery in Lancaster, NY.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rev. Michael T. Mazurchuk, C.M., and Dr. Morgan C. Brooks Memorial Scholarship Fund, College of Education, Niagara University, Niagara Falls, NY.
My deepest condolences to the family. Words cannot describe my sorrow. Maz was a special friend whose generous and cheerful spirit was infectious. He was a gentle and caring soul who brought joy to people who crossed paths with him. I miss him dearly and sorely. Rest in Peace, my dear friend!
Richard was so kind and thoughful that I always remember his smiley face and forward looking and positive outlook. He always remember our wedding anniversary and birthday. And wishes us well. When I interviewed him for a position, he described me about his brother’s untimely death. I was so moved that I thought if this man can be so loving to his brother, he must be sincere and helping person. God bless his souls and RIP.