Campus Mourns the Loss of Pharmacy Professor Tom Mattei

The Duquesne University community is mourning the loss of Dr. Thomas J. Mattei, associate professor of pharmacy practice in the Mylan School of Pharmacy, who died Sept. 19.

Mattei had been a familiar figure in the pharmacy school for more than 50 years. After earning his bachelor’s in pharmacy in 1968 and his Pharm.D. in 1970 from the University, Mattei joined the School of Pharmacy faculty as a part-time instructor in 1970, and was a full-time assistant professor by 1973. Over the decades, he also served in various administrative roles, including director of continued pharmacy education; head of the Division of Clinical, Social and Administrative Services; and associate dean for professional programs.

“Dr. Mattei has touched the lives of thousands of student pharmacists, pharmacists and practitioners,” said Dr. J. Douglas Bricker, dean of the pharmacy school. “His dream of advancing pharmacy practice and providing pharmacy services to the underserved, marginalized and uninsured was remarkable. His dreams were fulfilled because of his hard work and dedication.”

During his tenure at Duquesne, Mattei earned numerous research and program grants and contracts from the likes of Eli Lilly, the Upjohn Company, Glaxo Company and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, among others. His work appeared in publications including the American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy and the Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association, and he held memberships in numerous professional organizations, such as the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, the American Diabetes Association and the Pennsylvania Society of Health-System Pharmacists, for which he served as president from 1976-1977.

“Dr. Mattei was instrumental in the development and implementation of so many programs that were in alignment with the School of Pharmacy mission; to improve health outcomes in patients and their communities,” added Bricker. “His most recent successes included the Center for Pharmacy Care, the Spirit of Health outreach program and the Center for Pharmacy Service—now known as the Duquesne University Pharmacy, a community pharmacy serving the patients of the Hill District. He will be sadly missed, but his efforts and accomplishments will not be forgotten.”

Visitation for Mattei is scheduled from 2 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25, at the William Slater II Funeral Service at 1650 Greentree Road in Scott Township. A Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, at St. Benedict the Moor Church in the Hill District. Burial will be in Holy Souls Cemetery in Robinson.