Dr. Mark Iannini

Dr. Mark Iannini died suddenly on March 28, 2012 in Tucson, Arizona. He was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on November 21, 1953, the fourth son of Americo and Carmela Iannini. He was raised in Marlboro, MA and graduated with honors from Marlboro High School. He received his BA degree with high honors from Holy Cross College in Worcester. Mark fulfilled a lifelong dream when he was accepted and earned his M.D. with high honors (AOA), from Georgetown Medical School. He next completed his training program in internal medicine at Dartmouth Mary Hitchcock and Beth Israel Hospital in Boston. He was subsequently accepted into the fellowship program in Rheumatology at Massachusetts General Hospital. During his training he received a prestigious MIT Physician in Science Grant to conduct research into the immunology of Rheumatologic Diseases. Upon completion of his fellowship he took a position as an Assistant Professor at the University of Virginia. After tiring of academic life Mark established a highly successful practice in Rheumatology in Tucson, Arizona. While in practice, Mark completed the graduate program in public health at the University of Arizona and received his M.P.H. He was a forerunner in the use of in-office MRI to aid in the early diagnosis and treatment of joint disease and lectured nationally on this topic. In 2007 he was awarded the Consumer Research Councils Award for Excellence. During Dr. Ianninis tenure in Tucson he graciously devoted his time to provide free Rheumatologic care to Native Americans on various reservations in Arizona. As part of his M.P.H. program he also spent three months doing research and providing health care in Africa. Marks love of music and the beauty of Hawaii were enhanced by short periods of practice in Austin, Texas and the island of Maui. Dr. Iannini had that rare combination of clinical excellence and compassion that engendered admiration and devotion by his patients and staff. He was first and foremost a devoted father, but also an exercise enthusiast, runner, and humanitarian; yet still found time to become fluent in Italian, certify as a scuba dive master, and play guitar. Mark was also a passionate member of Red Sox and Patriots Nation and was an ardent fan of the Bruins and the Celtics as well. His patients, staff and most importantly his family, and many friends will sorely miss him, even his corny jokes. He is survived by his sons, Julian Iannini, of Los Angeles, CA. and Luke Iannini, of San Francisco, CA. as well as their mother, his former wife, Sylvia Schick Young. He is also survived by his brothers, Jay Iannini of North Palm Beach, FL., Paul Iannini of S. Dartmouth MA. George Iannini of Sandy Hook, CT and David Iannini of Scottsdale, AZ as well as his numerous sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, and aunts. Celebration of life services will take place in Tucson, AZ on May 12th, from 1pm-4pm at Hotel Congress 311 East Congress Street Tucson, AZ 85701 and also in Marlboro, MA. on June 23 from 1pm-4pm at Guiseppe's Grille, 35 Solomon Pond Rd., Northborough, MA 01532. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.