Dr. Louis F. Alfano, prominent Massachusetts physician of Melrose and Falmouth, passed away Sunday, February 14, 2010, at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Alfano was born in 1921 in Boston's South End and raised in Roslindale. He graduated from Boston Latin School in 1939, received his BS degree from Boston College in 1943 and his MD from Tufts University Medical School in 1946. For over 60 years, he practiced obstetrics and gynecology delivering over 10, 000 babies in his career. He was a member of the Staff at Melrose Wakefield Hospital for 55 years until his retirement in 2005. During that time he served as President of Staff, Chairman and member of numerous committees. He was instrumental in establishing the 24-hour physician-run emergency services, the area's first surgical day care services. Dr Alfano was involved in medical politics and health policy development in the State of Massachusetts. While serving as President of the Massachusetts Medical Society he established the first physician referral service. He was Chairman of the Committee on Legislation where he was influential in shaping health care in the State. Dr. Alfano was founding incorporator of Bay State Health Plan, the first physician-run HMO in Massachusetts. He was an active Member of the American Medical Association (AMA) where he served as Delegate to the AMA House of Delegates. During his dedicated affiliation with AMA, he participated in a record 88 consecutive bi-annual meetings. For 15 years Dr Alfano served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Blue Shield of Massachusetts. He played a critical role when Blue Shield and Blue Cross merged into one company. He was Chair of the committee that reviewed and approved medical procedures and a member of numerous other committees. Dr. Alfano was a founding member of the American Society of Abdominal Surgeons in 1958 and he served as President, Executive Secretary and Trustee over the years. He served in the US Navy from 1943 until his discharge in 1947. Notwithstanding his numerous obligations to his patients and medical practice, Louis was a devoted husband and father. He and his wife Ella were married for 62 years. Many of his happiest memories involved family gatherings during holidays and summers on Cape Cod. Dr. Alfano is survived by his wife, six children and their spouses, twelve grandchildren, one great grandchild. He was the loving husband of Ella L. (Giovino) Alfano. Devoted father of Dr. Susan K. Nkinyangi & her husband Dr. John Nkinyangi of Kenya, Dr. Frank J. Alfano of Falmouth, Elizabeth R. Alfano-Pavidapha of Melrose, Dr. Louis F. Alfano Jr. & his wife Patricia Alfano of Wakefield, David M. Alfano of Melrose and Mary V. Judge & her husband Robert Judge of Wakefield. Brother of the late Dr. Blaise Alfano. Grandfather Natalie, Sonia, Vanessa, Luke, Laura, Alex, Jessica, Eric, Arin, A.J., Johnny and Mugambi. Great grandfather of Sam. Also survived by several nieces & nephews. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Friday, Feb. 19th at 9AM. Funeral Mass in Dr. Alfano's memory will be celebrated at The Church of the Incarnation, 425 Upham St. Melrose, at 10AM. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours in the Gately Funeral Home on Thursday from 4-8PM. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dr. Alfano's memory may be made to the Pine Street Inn 444 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118. For directions or to sign guest book, please visit www.gatelyfh.com