William “Bill” was born in Lorain, Ohio, where he graduated from Lorain High School in 1952.
Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy. As a Petty Officer 2nd Class he
served as an Advanced Electronic’s Technician aboard the USS Crestview in Key West,
Florida. Following his military service, he married the love of his life Helen, (nee Niemiec) in
1958. That same year they moved to Rockledge, Florida. In 1959 they became a part of the
St. Marys Catholic Church community. He was employed by Martin Marietta Corporation at
Cape Canaveral, FL. Known by his friends and co-workers as “Matt”, he retired after 36 years
supporting the elite space programs, including Gemini and Titan missions.
As an active member of St Mary’s Catholic Church, he led by example sharing a life lived in
the grace of God while serving others. Assisting with the annual parish fair for over 30 years,
he was a member of the Christ Renew program while also managing A/V operations during
church services. As a brother knight in the Knights of Columbus #6125, he managed,
facilitated, and coordinated Hall rentals, Annual Valentines Polka dance, along with tending to
other various K of C events. In addition, as a 4th degree member of the Knights, he was
selected along with others to represent the Knights of Columbus honor guard detail for His
Holiness, Pope John Paul II, upon his visit to Florida.
Devoting his time to many community outreach programs, Bill was committed to providing
underserved students with tech tools through the Computers for Education program. In
addition, he helped to lead the annual Tootsie Roll drive benefiting those with disabilities and
volunteered at several local Wheelchair Bowling tournaments. Other volunteer activities
included helping with Voter Registration Polls and also participating in the Firefighter Relief
initiative, just to name a few.
Bill had a knack for tinkering, with most saying, "He could fix anything!”. Just offer him some
soup and a sandwich, and he’ll fix it. Although a humble man of few words, he was a deep
thinker and quite witty as he inspired others. Ironically, he was also a ham radio operator and
enjoyed connecting with people. As a music enthusiast, he enjoyed the Big Band and Celtic
era, but the lively melody of Polka is what lead him to the Arthur Murray School of Dance,
where he mastered the art of Polka dancing. Bill was indeed a man of many hats, both
figuratively and literally, which he enjoyed wearing and collecting throughout his years. He
was loved by many and will be missed by all.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Helen of 53 years and sister Judee Reber; Dear father to
Colleen (Dan) Triana, Doug Masterson, John (Charlotte) Masterson, DeAnn (David) Jones
and Ileen (Kyle) Dorang; Beloved Grandpa / Papa to 10 grandchildren - A.J., Michael, Nick,
Meghan, Victoria, Taylor, Grant, Ryan, Kelly, Ryan and 6 great grandchildren. He is survived
by his brother Dale Masterson and sister Maureen Dawson.
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