Donald M. Massa

Donald M. Massa of Cincinnati, Ohio passed away peacefully on November 3, 2024 at the age of 79.  He was surrounded by his loving wife and children, who supported him around the clock in his final weeks.

Don was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on January 22, 1945.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Arthur and Ruth Massa, his brother Tom Massa, and his sister-in-law Barbara Massa.  Don is survived by his wife Juanita Massa, children Mike Massa and Gina Massa Srofe (John), sister Kathy Massa, grandchildren Lauren and Logan Srofe, and nieces and nephews Matt Massa, Kim Massa (Henry Papiz), Lisa Naas (David Faleris), Natalie Naas Hall (Darrell), Jeff Naas (Lisa Jackson), and Nick Naas (Molly). Don is also survived by many cousins and relatives in the Massa, Bonfield and Dickman families.  

Don attended Elder High School and Xavier University, graduating with a degree in Economics and working throughout to pay for college.  He began his career selling insurance but soon discovered his lifelong passion for the financial markets.  During his 44 years with UBS/PaineWebber, Don earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation and was named a Corporate Vice President at age 36.  He acted as a trusted advisor to institutional clients, with a focus on equity research while also managing client portfolios. Don was a faculty member of the Equity Institute, an advanced training program for financial advisors, and served on the committee that selected stocks for PaineWebber’s Focus List, a set of recommendations for the firm’s financial advisors. Don managed the Cincinnati PaineWebber office for 10 years, was honored with selection to the New York-based Manager Advisory Committee, and earned the distinction of qualifying as a fee-based asset manager.  His reputation with his institutional and high net worth clients was one of integrity and high ethical standards. These qualities were characteristic throughout his business career as well as his personal life.

Serving the broader community was very important to Don. Over his 21 years with Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio, he served as both a Board Member and member of the Finance Committee, receiving special recognition for his dedication in 2021. During his tenure there, he advised the organization and aided their transformation into the strong social service they are today.  Don also served on the Board of Directors for Elder High School and supported the Cincinnati Fine Arts Fund.

Don met his wife, Juanita Massa, in high school, and they celebrated 57 wedding anniversaries together. Don’s focus was his family first, and he gathered the family together as much as possible. Thanksgiving was a favorite holiday for its focus on food, wine, and just being together.   Don was a devoted grandfather, cheering his grandchildren on from the sidelines of many sports fields, gyms and school events.

Don was an avid golfer, proud of scoring a hole-in-one. He was a longtime member of Hyde Park Country Club and then later joined TPC River’s Bend.  He was an enthusiastic wine collector, had a passion for art and design, and loved aviation, even becoming a licensed private pilot.  He shared these passions with his family throughout his life.  

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on November 12, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary Church, 2853 Erie Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio.  Visitation will be held 10:00 AM-11:00 AM at St. Mary Church.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Elder High School (www.elderhs.org) or Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio (ccswoh.org/donate).   

Please note one time change did take place, visitation will begin at 10:00 am.