George "Greg" Mastaler

1936 - 2024

George "Greg" Mastaler

Largo, FL - George "Greg" Mastaler, 87, a kind soul who was math-minded and introspective, crossed the great divide Saturday March 2, 2024. Greg was always one to slip away unnoticed and when he quietly excused himself from this world his family was just moments away with a final goodbye. Even so, he died in their loving embrace.

The son of the late Nikifor and Christina (Korkach) Mastaler, he was born in Greenfield, MA on June 7, 1936. Greg was proud of his Russian heritage, his parents having been born and married in Russia, with his father emigrating to the US in 1912 and his mother in 1921.

He was a member of Greenfield High School Class of 1954, and enlisted in Intelligence Specialist School, Sheppard AFB, TX. He served as Airman Second Class in the Air Force Security Service. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant and served in Intelligence Operations with the 544th Reconnaissance Technical Squadron at Offutt AFB, NE, where he was librarian of the U-2 bomber photographs.

On August 3, 1963 he married Christine Gagnon in Greenfield and the couple lived in Athol. After his four-year service, Greg attended Western New England College and Bentley School of Accounting and Finance (now Bentley University) and was employed as an accountant at the L.S. Starrett Co. He bowled in the Starrett League where it was noted that he notched an individual single score of 243 at the Athol-Orange Ten Pin in the 1964-1965 league season. He was also a fantastic billiards player and BB-gun sharpshooter.

In 1966 he and Chris moved to Gastonia, NC where daughter Lisa was born in 1967 and daughter Julie in 1973. Greg was an avid golfer with three lifetime holes-in-one and a member of Forest Oaks CC in Greensboro, NC and later Pinehurst CC in Pinehurst, NC. He was employed as an analyst at Burlington Industries until his retirement.

Over the decades, Chris and Greg traveled frequently to New England to play golf and attend family and class reunions. He looked forward to the gatherings, catching up with friends and family while enjoying menthol cigarettes and shots of good Russian vodka. He had a dry sense of humor, and a warm smile. In 2022 he moved with his wife to Largo, FL where they could be closer to daughter Julie and her family.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Christine (Gagnon) Mastaler; his daughter Julie and her husband, Troy Sanders, and his pride and joy, his grandson Yuri Blue. He is also survived by his sister, Ann Dubois, sister-in-law Gail (Nicoletti) Mastaler, brother-in-law Leo Metelica and several nieces and nephews, including his dear niece Joanne (Metelica) Noordhoek.

He was pre-deceased by his eldest daughter Lisa, a brother, Michael N. Mastaler, and a sister, Katherine Metelica.

In keeping with his wishes, Greg's body will be donated to The University of Florida College of Medicine and, in typical subdued Greg fashion, he requested no services. Na zdoróv'je Big Buzzhy! Even though at times you could be an incredible xkóna, we loved you very, very much and will miss you to no end.