Stanley Michael Masterson

Stanley Michael Masterson "Stan" passed away peacefully at home in Galena, Ohio on September 5, 2024. Stan was born on October 3, 1945, in Oakland, California to Bernard Masterson and Frances Masterson (Sides). He is survived by his daughter Michele Sinacori, and his grandchildren Nicholas Rosato and Sarah Walters (Jason). He is also survived by his siblings, Meg Masterson (Les), William “Bill” Masterson, Theresa Vallotton, and Francis “Frank” Masterson (Susan). He is predeceased by his wife, Constance “Connie” Masterson and his brother Michael “Mike” Masterson (Julie).

Stan spent his early childhood years in Germany, where his dad was stationed with the US Army Air Forces. When the family returned to the US from Europe, Stan was raised in Los Gatos, California as the eldest of six siblings. From an early age, Stan enjoyed reading, thinking, listening to classical music, and figuring things out. He had a particular interest in electronics and loved the art of persuasion. His siblings say he was brilliant. In fact, by the time he was attending classes at St. Mary’s Catholic School, where he learned to play the trombone and clarinet, the nuns realized Stan could help them! Whenever there were phones, antennas or electrical things that needed fixing, they would pull Stan out of class to be their “tech” guy. Shortly thereafter, Stan got a job and sharpened his skills at Quement Electronics in San Jose. That is when his love of amateur (ham) radio began, and he became a licensed operator by the time he was 15 years old. He had “the ham shack” in the garage of the family home, where he would talk to people around the world. 

Stan graduated from Los Gatos High School in 1964 and later attended San Jose State College for engineering. During college, he met a beautiful woman named Connie, who had recently moved to California. They had their first date at the former L’Omelette Restaurant in Palo Alto and were married in 1968. They had their daughter Michele in 1970. 

The family lived in California, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Ohio. Wherever Stan's career took the family, they went. Stan had a distinguished career as an engineer at General Electric, and Prodigy (a subsidiary of IBM). He also worked for a consulting firm on projects in Manhattan, NY including one project in the original World Trade Center. He was a wonderful provider and spent time with his family whenever he was not working. He took them to church. He was an avid sailor, camping enthusiast, and fly fisherman. He took his family to learn to ski when his daughter Michele was 4 years old, and he bought them season passes to a local mountain so they would learn to ski well. The family took several trips throughout the Adirondacks and New England. When they lived in upstate New York they camped in the summer and skied in the winter. Life was never boring. 

The Lord turned Stan and Connie's hearts toward Him in 1977, which changed their lives. They began attending Bible studies and seeking out membership in a local church, with each desiring a personal relationship with Jesus. They wanted to live their lives to bring glory to their Lord and Savior. Stan particularly enjoyed reading God’s word and fervently sharing the gospel with others whenever he had an opportunity. He loved apologetics, and he firmly believed it is only God who can change a sinner’s hardened heart (including his own).

Stan and Connie moved to Galena, Ohio, in 2002 to be closer to their daughter Michele and grandchildren Nicholas and Sarah. He custom-designed their retirement home, which Stan and Connie lived in for 20 years until their passing. Stan never lacked for things to do in retirement. He continued talking on his ham radio and even received letters from people around the world who remembered him over the airways from his early years on the ham in California. 

Stan was immensely proud of his two grandchildren, Nicholas and Sarah. He loved them very much and took every opportunity to share the gospel with them. He was thrilled when his grandson followed him and became an engineer. 

Stan was truly an instrument in the Redeemer’s hands. He faithfully lived his life unto Christ in the best way he knew how, and although far from perfect, we trust our Lord and Savior will say to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant” as he enters the gates of Heaven. May he rest peacefully, eternally, in the arms of Jesus.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, September 13th from 1:30-2:30pm at Grace Presbyterian Church, 5099 Postlewaite Rd., Columbus, OH 43235. A funeral service will follow on the same day at 2:30pm, also at the church. After the funeral, a burial service for family and friends will be held at New Cheshire Cemetery, 3271 Cheshire Rd., Delaware, OH 43015. 

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Grace Presbyterian Church, designated for the “Library Fund,” Grace Presbyterian Church, 5099 Postlewaite Rd., Columbus, OH 43235.