Wayne Kelin Masur

Wayne was born on March 10, 1938, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Jean Elizabeth McLaughlin and Richard William “Rip” Masur, and was raised in Miami, Florida. He graduated from North Miami High School in 1956, where he excelled in track and field and demonstrated an early aptitude for mathematics.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida’s Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering in 1962. While at UF, he was a proud member the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and the United States Marine Corps ROTC, where he served in the reserves and received an Honorable Discharge. He continued his postgraduate studies at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, where he met the love of his life, Lyla Gibson.

Wayne began his professional career as a Field Sales and Service Engineer for Crane Packing Company in Morton Grove, IL and later in Miami, Florida. He obtained his Professional Engineering license in 1966. Wayne later joined Airtech Air Conditioning, eventually purchasing the company in 1973. He served as Owner and President of Airtech Air Conditioning, with offices in Miami, Tampa, and Fort Myers, until 1995, when he sold the company to his employees.

A dedicated mentor, Wayne guided young engineers and those interested in the air conditioning trades. He served as an instructor at Miami-Dade Community College from 1975-85 and was a guest professor at the University of Florida, Florida International University, and Barry University. In later years, he became a builder and developer of luxury residential homes in Fort Lauderdale and Lighthouse Point.

Wayne achieved numerous professional and personal milestones throughout his life. He served for many years as President of the Mechanical Contractors Association of South Florida and was a member of the National Substance Abuse Task Force from 1987-93, serving as Chair from 1988-93. He chaired the Joint UA–MCA Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Pipefitting Apprenticeship School from 1985-96 and enjoyed planning and hosting the MCA Dolphin Fishing Tournament in the Florida Keys.

He was appointed to the Dade County Construction Trades Qualifying Board from 1977-84 and to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation State Licensing Board by Governor Bob Graham from 1983-87, serving as Chair from 1985-86. Wayne was also a founding director and Vice Chair of Equitable Bank (now Valley Bank) in Fort Lauderdale.

An accomplished pilot, Wayne earned his twin-engine instrument pilot’s license and flew his Beechcraft airplane throughout Florida for both business and personal enjoyment—often flying his children back to school in Gainesville. A lifelong supporter of the University of Florida, Wayne credited UF with much of his professional success. He served on the University of Florida Board of Directors and the Engineering Advisory Council and was appointed a Lifetime Member of the University of Florida Foundation in 2005.

Wayne and Lyla generously supported many educational and alumni initiatives at UF, including the Wayne K. and Lyla Masur Thermal Sciences Laboratory in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and the Alumni Conference Room at Emerson Alumni Hall. Wayne also supported numerous charitable causes in Fort Lauderdale, including the Cystic Fibrosis Gold Coast Guild, and was a member of the Masonic Order.

Wayne was immensely proud of his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Lyla (Gibson) Masur; his daughter, Lesli (John) Monahan III of Fort Lauderdale; his son, Shawn (Jill) Masur of Davie; and his grandsons, John Martin Monahan IV of Fort Lauderdale, Kelin Monahan of South Miami, and Miles Monahan of Fort Lauderdale, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Richard Masur.

Wayne was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and a loyal friend whose strength, leadership, and presence will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Forest Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens 2401 SW 64th Ave, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33317. Wayne’s funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Forest Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens. A private burial will be held at a future date at Forest Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens.