Francis W. Masterson, Jr.

The same peace and love that comes with Christmas surrounded Francis W. Masterson, Jr. on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, as he passed away in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family.

Frank was born 84 years ago on July 8, 1938 in Albany, to Meleese (Mulberry) and Francis W. Masterson, Sr.  He graduated from Schoharie Central School in 1958 and from SUNY Cobleskill in 1959, before joining the United States Navy the same year to become a Fleet Marine Force (FMC) Navy Corpsman.

Frank served with honor, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the Medical Service Corps, before his discharge in 1982.  Returning to his beloved Schoharie County, he settled into work again as Director of Dietetics at SUNY Cobleskill before his second retirement.  Never one for inactivity, Frank took a position at SUNY Cobleskill again as Assistant Coach for Track and Cross Country, fitting with his passion for power walking, participating in countless Marathons and even breaking several records at SUNY. Charismatic and encouraging, Frank formed lifetime friendships and respect from many of his students and fellow athletes.

The same can be said for the friendships and respect of his comrades in the Sharon Springs and Schoharie County American Legion Posts.  An active member of both, Frank spear-headed and oversaw the annual County-wide Oratorical Contest every year and his eloquent, soft way with words and talented writing skills found him in great demand for public speaking engagements. 

Also, a master carpenter, he turned ordinary pieces of wood into beautiful scroll work and home restoration and firearm restoration projects were no challenge for his ability.  Frank loved traveling to Pensacola, FL and was also a walking encyclopedia of Civil War and Military history and loved visiting about both.

As the closing line of the Hymn proclaims the Navy’s stern call, “Faith, Courage, Service true, with Honor, Over Honor, Over All,” Frank exemplified all of these and added love.

He will be loved forever by his wife: Janet (Norton) Masterson, of Sharon Springs, whom he married on April 3, 1959 and spent 63 beautiful years with; his daughters: Dawn (Thomas) Sawn of Saratoga, Penny (David) Groom of Lakeland, FL, Heather (Jon) Prokop of Middleburgh; son: Francis W. (Janet) Masterson, III of Sharon Springs; grandchildren: Mary Groom, Amanda Spickerman, David Spickerman, Steven Martinez, Thomas (Natassia) Martinez, Francis W. Masterson, IV, Daniel Masterson, Hunter Prokop, Devin Prokop, Connor Prokop; great-grandchildren: Thomas Martinez, Natalia Martinez; sister: Susan Masterson of Niskayuna; brother; Stephen Masterson of Schoharie; nieces: Nova Masterson, Sharon Fincher; nephew: Stephen Kaiser; his comrades in the American Legion and many friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC, 134 River Street, Middleburgh with Pastor David Houck officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00AM, prior to the service.  Interment with Military Honors will follow at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY.

Memorial donations in Frank’s honor may be sent to Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Rd, Oneonta, NY 13820

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