Alfonse Thomas Masi

Alfonse “Al” Thomas Masi, MD, DrPH, Professor Emeritus of Medicine and Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria passed away peacefully at home in the loving presence of family on Thursday, March 6, 2025. He was 94 years old. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11a.m. Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Atlanta, GA. The family will be receiving guests one hour prior to the services at the church. A private burial at Arlington Memorial Park, Sandy Springs, GA, will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a gift in support of the UIC Dr. Alfonse and Nancy Masi Endowed Chair in Medicine Fund. To do so, please visit https://go.uic.edu/masifund or contact Kelli Evans at email address: [email protected] .

Alfonse was born on October 29, 1930, in New York City as a first generation Italian-American. He was the son of immigrant barber, Antonio, and seamstress, Mary (Genese) Masi, and brother to Annette Masi Andelin (Richard). He attended Stuyvesant High School in NYC where he discovered a deep passion for math and science. As a lifelong scholar, Alfonse went on to complete his undergraduate studies at The City College of New York and earned his MD from Columbia University. He also earned advanced degrees from the Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health. He completed his internal medicine residency and epidemiology training at Johns Hopkins Hospital, the CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service in Puerto Rico, and UCLA Medical Center. While finishing residency at UCLA, he met the love of his life, Nancy Ann Bouton who worked as a hospital receptionist. They were married in Los Angeles on August 27, 1960, then moved to Baltimore MD where they started their family. While there, Alfonse completed a rheumatology research fellowship at the National Institute of Health.

In 1967, Alfonse and family moved to Memphis, TN, where he began his academic career as the Chief of Rheumatology at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. In 1978, Alfonse served as the first Head of the Department of Medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria (UICOMP), a position he held until 1985. In the decades that followed, Alfonse made major contributions to research and education at UICOMP. He pioneered concepts of neuroendocrine immune (NEI) influences in rheumatoid arthritis and the biomechanical mechanisms in ankylosing spondylitis, among other arthritis research contributions. He authored more than 220 publications and was frequently cited by peers in his field. His last rheumatology paper was accepted for publication when he was 92.

Alfonse was also a beloved faculty member, serving as a mentor and trusted colleague to countless young faculty, residents, and medical students. As a practicing rheumatologist, he enhanced the lives of his patients as a compassionate and attentive physician. He was a kind and humble collaborator with his personal and professional contributions.

Alfonse was the recipient of numerous academic awards and honors, including a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, a Fellow of the American College of Epidemiology, and a Master of the American College of Rheumatology. He was named the Russell E. Cecil Fellow of the Arthritis Foundation and recipient of the Osler House Latchkey Award from Johns Hopkins Hospital. He was also inducted into the Townsend Harris Medalist Society by the City College of New York for outstanding postgraduate achievement. Alfonse was a committed philanthropist, giving generously to many charitable organizations through the MTM Foundation, an organization established to honor his parents, Mary and Tony Masi. In 2022, Alfonse and Nancy established the first endowed Chair in the Department of Medicine at UICOMP. The Dr. Alfonse and Nancy Masi Endowed Chair of Medicine will support a nationally renowned physician scientist who will enhance the Department’s research enterprise while promoting a culture of innovation, scholarship, and discovery.

Throughout his life, Alfonse never met a stranger. He had a natural ability to connect with anyone and make them feel at ease. He was genuinely concerned about the well-being of others and offered his support however he could. When their children were older, he encouraged Nancy to follow her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse and proudly celebrated the achievement of her goal. Alfonse was a doting son, husband, father, papa, brother, and uncle. He cherished time with his family and always looked forward to their summer lakeside reunions. When he found time to relax, he loved traveling, sipping rum, watching classic movies, playing his bongo drum, body surfing, and dancing the cha-cha with Nancy. They were the stars of the dance floor at many celebrations. Alfonse and Nancy moved to Atlanta, GA, in November 2022, to be closer to their children. This chapter in his life brought much joy as he and Nancy were able to participate in many special gatherings with loved ones.

Alfonse is lovingly remembered and will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Alfonse was predeceased by sister, Annette, and adored grandson, Ryan. He is survived by his loving wife Nancy; Sons: Anthony Masi (Susan) of St. Louis, MO, Christopher Masi (Grace) of Atlanta, GA; Daughters: Maria Masi Kammerer (Jeff) of Atlanta, GA, and Amy Masi Schauwecker (Chris) of Hermosa Beach, CA; and Grandchildren: Anthony, Faith, Gabe, Sophia, Christopher, Gianna, Luke, Ava and Jimmy.