Piero O. Mustacchi, MD
Dr. Piero Mustacchi, San Francisco, died July 17, 2017 at the age of 97. Of Italian heritage, he was born in Cairo in 1920 to Gino and Gilda Mustacchi.
He studied at the University of Florence, Italy; University of Lausanne, Switzerland; and graduated from the University of Cairo, Egypt, the first non Islamic student to do so and practiced in Cairo until he left for the United states in 1947. He completed his medical licensing for the U.S. in San Francisco and moved to New York as a Damon Runyon Research Fellow of the American Cancer Society. He returned to San Francisco and worked at the University of California School of Medicine as a Clinical Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology and the Associate Director of Continuing Medical Education. He maintained an active private practice until the age of 95. He also served in the United States Public Health Service, attaining the rank of Senior Surgeon.
On September 26, 1948, he married Dora Lisa Ancona, a native of Florence, Italy. They were married for 49 years until she preceded him in death in 1997.
He was a member of several scientific and professional societies, active in international educational exchanges of physicians and bio-scientists, was the recipient of several high honors from the governments of Italy, France, and Egypt and served as Italy’s Honorary Vice Consul for many years.
Dr. Mustacchi is survived by his long-term partner Michele Metz, of Castro Valley, CA; his sons Roberto (Loreen) of Wilmette, IL and Michael (Honey) of San Francisco; and his two grandchildren, Robert of San Francisco, and Caterina of Chicago. He leaves his two sisters, Marisa Mihich and Liliana Jassy of Boston and was preceded in death by his brother, Mario Mustacchi of France.
Dr. Mustacchi enjoyed spending time with students, colleagues, and family; studying languages and family history; and playing the piano.
A memorial service will be announced later. Donations may be made to the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation or the American Cancer Society.