Ralph F. Mastry's Obituary
Ralph F. Mastry, 87, of Syracuse, NY, passed away suddenly on Monday, April 27, 2015, in Vero Beach, FL.
Ralph was born February 8, 1928, in Syracuse, to the late Nicholas and Angelina (Bova) Mastry. He attended Assumption Academy and served with distinction in the Army/Air Force, earning a WWII Victory Medal – Japan and was a member of the VFW.
Ralph enjoyed 60 years of wedded bliss with the love of his life, Joan (Kelly) Mastry. He retired from New York Telephone, he after 32 years. They enjoyed summers in Syracuse and winters in Florida, active snowbirds who lived life to the fullest. Ralph was a loving father to his two children and the proud grandfather of four. He also cherished his many friends; as he always told his best friend from childhood, the late Joey Russo, “a good friend is worth a million dollars.”
Ralph was an enthusiastic fan of SU athletics and the New York Yankees. An avid golfer, he recorded 3 holes-in-one during his time on the links. A religious man, Ralph was a communicant of Holy Family Church for over 50 years, where he served as an usher and was also past president of the Holy Name Society. He served as past president of the Telephone Pioneers of America, both Active and Retirees, and was a member of the CWA Union.
Along with his parents, Ralph was predeceased by sisters, Lucy Pandossi, Ann Marra and Rose Malfitana; brothers, Gabe, Tony, George and Albert; step sister , Mary Palerino; step brother, Anthony Natale, along with many nieces and nephews.
Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Joan; daughter, Margaret (Chuck) Labenski and son, Michael (Lisa) Mastry; grandchildren, Garrett Labenski (Maegan), Ryan Labenski, Mitchell Mastry and Madison Mastry, his brother, Nicholas Mastry, Jr. of Liverpool, along with many nieces and nephews as well as a large extended family who will forever remember “Uncle Ralph” with love and pride.
Funeral services will be held at 8:45 am on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME and 10:00 am at Holy Family Church, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Burial will follow at Onondaga County Veterans Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Monday, May 4, 2015 at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Road, North Syracuse, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Family Church, 127 Chapel Dr., Fairmount, NY 13219 or Joseph’s House, PO Box 302, Camillus, NY 13031.
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