Elton R. Yasuna, Class of 1931

Dr. Elton R. Yasuna, retired ophthalmologist, passed away on October 18, 2011 in Sarasota, Florida, after a brief illness. Dr. Yasuna was born in New York City in 1915, attended Townsend Harris High School, New York University, and New York University School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Boston City Hospital, served as an Army medical officer in WWII, and was a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

He practiced medicine in Worcester, Massachusetts, from 1946 until his retirement in the late 1980's. He taught at Tufts Medical School (Boston) and later at the University of Massachusetts Medical School (Worcester), and was on the staff of Worcester City Hospital and Memorial Hospital in Worcester. He served as President of the Worcester District Medical Society and as a Worcester School Committee member for six years in the 1950's.

He and his wife collected art, and had museum shows of their collections of American Abstract Art of the 1930's, American Surrealism, and Studio Art Glass. He was an active supporter of the Worcester Art Museum, was an avid Bridge player and tennis enthusiast, and summered on Cape Cod, in Harwich Port, for over 60 years.

He is survived by his loving and adored wife of 72 years, Penny (Mildred Long) Yasuna. He is the father of three children: Martin, of Salinas, CA; Edward, 40 Chestnut St., Andover, MA; and Amy Denny (sadly, deceased), formerly of Mt. Vernon, WA. He has four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held on October 24 in Sarasota. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Smith Care Center, Plymouth Harbor, Sarasota, FL 34236.