Edward J. Masoro

Edward J. Masoro, PhD, FGSA, passed away on July 11 at age 95. He obtained his undergraduate and PhD degrees at UC Berkeley, thereafter rapidly rising through the faculty ranks at Queens University (Canada), Tufts University, and the University of Washington, becoming chair of Physiology and Biophysics at the Medical College of Pennsylvania.

He shifted his research midcareer from lipid biology to biogerontology, joining the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio as founding Chair of the Department of Physiology (1973-1991). Thereafter, he established the Aging Research and Education Center at UT Health San Antonio, in order to catalyze gerontological research across basic and clinical science disciplines. This Center gave birth to the Barshop Center for Longevity and Aging Studies, among the first in the nation solely dedicated to biology of aging research.

A recipient of the highest awards for his scientific contributions and leadership (inlcuding GSA's Robert W. Kleemeier Award), he is remembered for seminal studies on the life and health extending effects of caloric restriction and his penetrating reviews and reasoned hypotheses on the causes of aging. He was president of GSA, editor of the JG:BS and ably served the society throughout his career. He was a dynamic and passionate teacher and mentor to many leaders in the field. His scientific rigor and productivity, vision and leadership were matched by a character notable for its honesty, fairness, loyalty and compassion. He will be greatly missed.

(Submitted by James F. Nelson, PhD, FGSA)