John R. Masterson

Narragansett John R. "Big John" Masterson, 66, of Camden Road, died peacefully on Saturday, December 31, 2011 after a courageous battle with brain cancer. He was the loving and devoted husband of the late Joyce Ann (Hainey) Masterson, who passed away on December 22nd, 2011. High School sweethearts married forty-three years, they shared an everlasting love and were dedicated to each other until they were called to Heaven.Born in Newport, Rhode Island, the son of the late John F. Masterson and the late Mary (Kelly) Masterson he lived in Providence most of his life before moving to Narragansett twenty years ago.John graduated from LaSalle Academy in Providence as a three-sport letterman. He then earned his degree in Education from The College of Santa Fe in New Mexico where he was a member of the Sigma Beta Kappa Fraternity. John went on to earn his Masters degree in Special Education from Rhode Island College and he served in the Rhode Island National Guard.John was a teacher at Mount Pleasant High School for thirty years and was the assistant men's varsity basketball and baseball coach. In retirement, he was an avid golfer and his smile, laugh, and love for fun touched family and friends alike. John was a communicant of Saint Veronica Chapel, Narragansett, and while living in Providence, Saint Augustine Church.John leaves three daughters. He was the proud father of Kelly A. Masterson, Katherine M. Kerr and her husband Michael, and Donna A. Masterson. He also leaves two sisters, Joan Kugel and Ann Masterson; and two nephews, David and Daniel Pezzullo.A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, January 5, 2012, at 10:00 am, in Saint Veronica Chapel, Boston Neck Road, Narragansett, to which relatives and friends are invited. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Providence. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Coach James J. Ahern Foundation, 15 Priscilla Avenue, Providence, RI 02909 in his memory will be appreciated. Arrangements by Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home.