Kazim Bayus sadly passed away on Thursday, March 25, 2021. Kazim was born in Istanbul, Turkey, on March 28, 1959, son of Guluzar Bayus and the late Ali Bayus. Kazim was the youngest of his siblings, Elif Comert and the late Sabri Bayus. Kazim was raised in the island of Buyukada, Turkey, where he spent his childhood and young adult life.

In the mid-1980s, Kazim began his life in the United States in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where he began his career utilizing his craftsmanship in carpentry and restoring antiques. During his time in Florida, he fell in love with Maria DiPietro, originally of Somerville, Mass., and took her on their first date to the Sea Watch restaurant. After much persuasion, Kazim and Maria married on December 5, 1993, in Medford, Mass.

During their marriage, Kazim and Maria lived in numerous locations after Florida, including Ohio, Kansas, Connecticut, London, England, and finally settled in Massachusetts.

Kazim was a dedicated father who raised his two daughters, Lidia and Ava, with pride as a stay-at-home father. Kazim was best known as the most caring and protective father to his daughters, who he never let out of his sight. He eventually gave them the time to grow as young women, allowing them to truly appreciate his efforts as a loving father.

Kazim was a true gentleman who was loyal to his family and everyone he loved. He was a compassionate, humble, and generous human being. Kazim was a strong man who powered through the adversities he faced. He instilled his family-oriented values and thoughtful characteristics in his daughters to ensure they represented the qualities he and Maria valued.

Kazim was a dedicated and vocal advocate for human rights, equality, and treating people with kindness and respect. He believed that education was the most crucial tool anyone could obtain. Kazim loved to read, and in his quiet time wrote poetry inspired by his love for Turkish writers, educators, and the troubles of the world. He was drawn to the ocean and the peace, serenity, and comfort that hearing the waves brought him.

In March 2019, Kazim was diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer at Yale New Haven Hospital. Soon after moving to Massachusetts, Kazim received ongoing treatment from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and Danvers, Mass. He was absolutely loved by the doctors and nurses that treated him, describing him as a “gentle soul” and a “perfect gentleman.” Kazim could not speak highly enough about the dedicated team of doctors and nurses who supported him throughout his journey.

Kazim has left behind family and friends who loved and adored him. His legacy will continue on through his two wonderful daughters who were his world, as he was theirs.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to briefly pay their respects, Monday, April 5, from 1 to 2 pm in St Joseph Church, 114 High Street, Medford, Mass., with a funeral service to follow at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Kazim to the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center in support of Dr Lori Wirth for thyroid cancer research. Gifts can be made online at giving.massgeneral.org/cancer/donate or mailed to the MGH Development Office, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston MA 02114. Checks payable to Massachusetts General Hospital. Please include “In memory of Kazim Bayus” on the memo line.

Kazim will be missed dearly and we will love him forever.