Dr. Zahi Hamdi Masri

Dr. Zahi Hamdi Masri, of Louisville, Kentucky, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on January 3, 2023. Born in Ramallah, Palestine in 1935, he grew up in his beloved home of Nablus, Palestine. After excelling in all things academic, he was among a select few to receive a full scholarship to study medicine in Cairo, Egypt.
In the early 1960's, he moved to Louisville, Kentucky to begin his surgical training, completing a general surgery residency and cardiovascular and thoracic surgery fellowship at the University of Louisville. Working as a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon, he played a leading role in the pioneering team in Louisville that started a world-renowned open-heart surgery program. He received the Kentucky Colonel honor, the highest title of honor bestowed by Kentucky's Governor in recognition of an individual's accomplishments and outstanding service to community, state, and nation.
In addition to serving patients for over 50 years, he dedicated his time to many other educational and charitable initiatives. He worked with Physicians for Peace (an organization dedicated to providing medical care and surgery in war torn countries), sought to establish an American University in Jordan, and established the American Palestine Public Affairs Forum, a policy institute dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of the Palestinian cause.
In more recent years, he spent much of his time researching, writing, and occasionally playing cards with friends at his favorite local coffee shop, Heine Brothers Coffee.
He will be remembered not only for his sharp intellect, convictions, strength, and accomplishments but for all that he did to help others and tried to do to create a more peaceful, tolerant, and understanding world.
He is survived by his devoted wife of over 60 years, Susan, their six children, Mai of Los Angeles, California, Nadia of Arlington, Virginia, Nidal of Miami, Florida, Laila of Springfield, Missouri, Selwa of McLean, Virginia, and Mazen of Louisville, Kentucky, their spouses, his 8 beloved grandchildren, his 6 siblings and their children. He will be deeply missed.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to any of the following charitable organizations:
• Physicians for Peace using this link: https://www.physiciansforpeace.org
• Shriners Hospital for Children using this link: https://donate.lovetotherescue.org
• The Jerusalem Fund using this link: https://thejerusalemfund.org
• APPAF by mailing checks made payable to "American Palestine Public Affairs Forum" to 1611 Lucia Ave., Louisville, KY 40204, Attn: Treasurer
Please indicate your gift is in memory of Zahi H. Masri, MD.
A Visitation is planned on Saturday, January 7 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at Pearson Funeral Home, 149 Breckenridge Lane, Louisville, 40207.
Arrangements under the direction of Pearson's, "Where Louisville Goes To Remember".