Abhik Kumar Biswas

In Loving Memory of Dr. Abhik Biswas, M.D., FAAP

Retired Navy Captain, Dr. Abhik Kumar Biswas, a nationally recognized leader in acute Pediatric Critical Care, passed away suddenly on January 21 at the age of 61. His death was unexpected and leaves a profound void in the deep well of knowledge that supported his life’s career and his ongoing work at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center Pediatric Services.

Dr. Biswas was born in India and grew up in Seattle, Washington, graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1982. He was a proud alumnus of the University of Washington, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology in 1986 and then his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) in 1991. Go Huskies! He then entered the U.S. Navy, where he served honorably for 26 years, including one deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan. His military career took him from San Diego to Whidbey Island, then to Dallas, and finally to Chesapeake, Virginia, where he retired from military service. He later moved to North Carolina to continue his work.

Abhik was known not only for his brilliance, but for his infectious smile and quiet humor, his unwavering loyalty, and his ability to keep going no matter how crushing a case. He taught his students that you must always be ready for the next one. Cry when you get home. He held the title of Professor not just in name, but in spirit—teaching and mentoring countless students, residents, and nurses with academic rigor that reflected his parents’ deep belief in education and achievement.

In 2025, Abhik achieved a lifelong dream when he earned his private helicopter pilot’s license.

He was preceded in death by his father, Kumud R. Biswas. He is survived by his mother, Puspita Biswas, who resides in Seattle, Washington.

He is also survived by his beloved wife, Suzanne Coates Biswas, the traveling companion with whom he wanted to share the world he was always destined to see. His three children from a previous marriage are Alexandra of Chicago, Illinois; Nicolas of Chesapeake, Virginia; and Elisabeth of Virginia Beach, Virginia. His stepson, Macon Bullard, and his wife, Jamie, of Wilmington, and his grandsons, Silas and Reece. And Max and Vicky Coates, in-laws who loved him. Yes, VickyMama, he loved being your favorite.

Abhik’s legacy lives on not only in the hospitals he served, in his deep love of country, and in the countless students he trained and mentored, but in his remarkable adult children, who filled him with profound and lasting pride through their individuality, strength, and spirit. His stepson, who shared Abhik’s love of flying and watching the Seahawks, welcomed him fully into his family’s life and, in doing so, gave him one of life’s greatest joys—the privilege of becoming a grandfather to two wonderful boys, becoming their Iggy. He is rooting for his Seahawks during this playoff season.

From Dr. B to the world, he leaves behind countless students he was proud to teach, encourage, and inspire to teach others in turn. There will always be a child who needs a hero, and he has left many ready to pick up the challenge.

He would tell you all to take it as high as you can go—and that he’ll see you in the Danger Zone.

Service Details

In keeping with Abhik’s deep commitment to the well-being of children and families, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Pediatric Emergency Department at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, because he was, in relation to his love of flying, devoted to his professional passion for the past eleven years of his life.  https://bit.ly/AbhikBiswas  

Date: January 30

Location:

Hay Street United Methodist Church320 Hay St Fayetteville, NC 28301

Family Visitation: 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm in Parlor/Fellowship

Memorial Service: 2:30 pm in the Sanctuary

Will include Military Rites, EMS Signoff Service, and a flyover by Lifelink Air.  Dr. B would have hated a room full of black. Please wear your favorite colors. Scrubs are absolutely welcome and entirely appropriate.  Aviators’ shades get you extra bonus points.

For questions or support, please contact MCheng at zarilla123@gmail.com, who is assisting the family with arrangements.

**Please consider donations as referenced above, do not order flowers or trees.

Services entrusted to Butler Funeral Home, 6535 Clinton Road, Stedman, NC 28391.