George J. Dr. Mastio

Mastio, Dr. George J., 89, prominent surgeon, beloved father and mentor, died Monday, February 2, 2015 at Larksfield Healthcare Center. George was born on October 10, 1925 in St. Joseph, MO to Elizabeth Bosch Mastio and George Mastio, Sr. After graduating from high school, he hitched a ride on a train, fibbed a bit and joined the Navy at the age of 17. He attended officer training in Chicago and served as an Ensign in the Pacific. George fully embraced the opportunities afforded by the GI Bill attending Park College and graduating from the University of Kansas. He met his first wife, Virginia Gard Mastio, on the steps of the KU library. They were married for 43 years; together they raised three children and embraced the community and his professional life. George graduated from the KU School of Medicine in 1953, and completed his Surgical Residency at the KU Medical Center in 1959. George was a general and thoracic surgeon in private practice from 1959 to 1993 in Wichita. Dr. Mastio was a catalyst for helping bring the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita to the city. He was particularly proud of the years he spent training surgical residents. He started the surgical training program at Wesley Hospital, which is now run by the University of Kansas. Dr. Mastio held several academic appointments, including Director of Surgical Education at Wesley Medical Center and Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at the KU School of Medicine-Wichita. He was active in the American Medical Association, the Kansas Medical Society, the American Cancer Society and the Medical Society of Sedgwick County. He served as the Chairman for the Trauma Committee for the Kansas Chapter of American College of Surgeons, as well as the Governors Advisory Council on Emergency Medical Services. Dr. Mastio was active in the community where he served on the Boards of Directors of KS. Blue Shield, Citadel Bank, the Wichita Art Museum and the Wichita Symphony. After Virginias death, George married Betty Blair of Atlanta, Kansas. For 22 years, they shared many adventures and happy times with family and friends. Preceded in death by his parents, George and Elizabeth Mastio; his first wife, Virginia G. Mastio; and his second wife, Betty B. Mastio. Survived by his daughter, Ann Bauer (Martin) of Wichita; son, John Mastio (Dana) of Wichita; daughter, Katherine Kaufman (Dr. Allen) of West Des Moines, IA; 9 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren. The family thanks and appreciates the kind and loving care from the staff and caregivers at Larksfield Healthcare Center. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: George Mastio Medical Education Research Fund, c/o KU Endowment Association, 1010 North Kansas, Wichita, Kansas 67214 or Wichita Center for the Arts, 9112 East Central Avenue, Wichita, Kansas 67206. The funeral mass will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, February 6, 2015 at The Church of the Magdalen. Downing Lahey East Mortuary.