Dr. Telesforo Mascarin

Dr. Telesforo Mascarin December 9,1932-October 24,2012 Dr. "Telly" Mascarin passed away at home on October 24th 2012, with his family at his bedside.

He was born on December 9, 1932 in Montreal, Canada to Frank and Maria Mascarin. He attended the University of Michigan on a full athletic scholarship and played right wing on Michigan hockey teams that won three consecutive NCAA National Championships between 1951 and 1953.

In 1959 he graduated from the University of Ottawa Medical School. He then pursued further training in the US, specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology and became a US Citizen during that time.

While still in high school, he met Yolanda Sisak. They were married in 1955 and together they raised four children - Catherine (John) Keilly, Debbie Musselman, Drew (Tracy) Mascarin and Susie (Peter) Keane. He and Yolanda, his wife of 57 years, had twelve grandchildren and one great grandchild. In addition Dr. Mascarin is survived by his brother, Avenicio "Nish" (Jo-An) Mascarin.

His family was the great joy of his life and his proudest achievement.

Dr. Mascarin held staff positions at St. John, Bon Secours and Cottage Hospitals and was instrumental in the adoption of various cutting edge medical technologies at St. John. He also developed a private practice which is still staffed by his former partners, some of whom he personally trained. Dr. Mascarin was also an inspiration to innumerable residents. He taught them not only medicine, but care, compassion and his strong work ethic.

He considered it an honor to practice medicine and to take care of families. He never missed a day of work, even when he broke his leg. He never complained when called in late at night. Dr. Mascarin was delivering babies right up until he retired in 2008 at the age of 75, because it was the joy of his professional life.

Dr. Mascarin also served as coach of the Grosse Pointe Bruins travel hockey team from 1968 to 1976. His 1972 team won a national title. As a coach, he taught life skills such as a strong work ethic, perseverance and integrity - in addition to hockey.

In response to needs in the community, Dr. Mascarin organized and built the Grosse Point Community Rink and the Wimbledon Racquet Club. Thirty years later, these businesses are still thriving and serving Grosse Pointe.

Dr. & Mrs. Mascarin fund a scholarship - in honor of his father, Frank Mascarin - at Assumption High School in Windsor.

Dr. Mascarin led and inspired by example . . . by the way he led his life. He set high standards in everything he did. In 1991 Dr. Mascarin was recognized by the State of Michigan as the Italian American of the Year, for his achievements and contributions to medicine and the public.

A funeral Mass was celebrated at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church on Saturday, October 27. Donations in memory of Dr. Telesforo Mascarin may be made to St. John Hospital and Medical Center's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Renovation and Expansion project, in care of the St. John Health Foundation, 22101 Moross Road, Mack Bldg, Suite 102, Detroit, MI 48236 or to The Capuchins, 1820 Mt. Elliott St., Detroit, MI 48207.