Professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine, senior staff cardiologist at Boston Medical Center, and founding editor of the Journal of the American Heart Association, died at age 58. Dr Vita's research focused on the causes of arterial blockage and heart attack. American Heart Association president Elliott M Antman, P&S1974 saluted him as 'the quintessential scientist.' He had previously served as chief of medical services at the VA Boston Healthcare System. He was the author or co-author of more than 200 peer-reviewed articles. A committed educator, Dr Vita was one of the first recipients of the Robert Dawson Evans Research Mentorship Award. In his free time he loved to sail on the family boat, la Bella Vita. List of survivors.