Joseph A. “Joe” Mastriani of Marshfield, loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, cousin, Pop Pop, teacher, Army Ranger and friend, passed away July 19, 2021 surrounded by family. Raised in Kearny, a graduate of West Point, steeped in the family values of hard work and honesty, Joe was the loving son of Carmela and Joseph Mastriani (late of Sea Girt). Red Bank was Joe’s home for the majority of his adulthood.
Throughout his life he distinguished himself through his perpetual action, dedication and his pursuit of self-betterment: a man of faith, living his faith in action. He was a passionate do-er and curious adventurer, and his persistent efforts touched those around him in all his endeavors: coaching kids’ sports, fighting in the jungles of Vietnam, piloting planes and motorcycles, civic engagement, volunteering at Red Bank Fire Department’s Independent Engine Company 93, friendship and teaching.
Joe was continually trying to give away his tools to those he cared for and he wanted everyone to be ready with their pocketknives – both literally and metaphorically.
A loving family man, Joe is survived by wife Maryellen of Marshfield; children Leigh Mastriani and husband Ed Young, Maura Mastriani, John Mastriani and wife Lindsey (as well as countless honorary children); siblings James and wife Leslie, Laura and husband Tony DiTullio; sister-in-law Kerry Bean; brother-in-law Peter Keenan and wife Jeannie; and sister-in-law Patricia Keenan Drooker and husband Bobby. His grandchildren Cleo and Keenan will miss their incredible Pop Pop.
Joe’s sole regret was seeing Army beaten by Navy in football so regularly throughout his life.
A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 3 at St. Catharine’s Church in Spring Lake. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Camp Boggy Creek (an outfit in Eustis, Florida, devoted to children with disabilities) or to a charity of your choice.
The article originally appeared in the July 29 – August 4, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
