Ryan A. Masters

1984 - 2017

NEWPORT NEWS - Ryan Angelo Masters, 32, was joined with his Savior on June 19, 2017. Born on October 28, 1984 in Saratoga Springs, New York, he attended Menchville High School in Newport News and TNCC in Hampton. Ryan is survived by his beloved wife, Michelle and his dog, Gypsy of Newport News, VA; parents Tessa Millis (Ron) of Williamsburg, VA and Gary Masters Jr. (Theresa) of Newport News, VA; sisters, Emily Masters of Richmond, VA and Elyse Masters of Atlanta, GA; step-siblings Nichole Snyder (Brian) of Long Beach, CA and Michael Holtz of Newport News, VA. He is also survived by his grandmother, Dorothy Masters, of Kansas City, MO, and his aunts, uncles, many cousins and friends who loved him dearly. Ryan was always curious and excelled at learning from an early age. He was an avid reader of many subjects intricate or mundane, but if he read about it, he knew it expertly. He would easily translate product manuals for the many of us that couldn't get through them and had mechanical expertise to share with anyone on whatever their intellectual level. He could build, repair and research anything he desired to own. Ryan sought the best of life; from the sunglasses on his face, to the cup he held in his hand, he knew quality and always demanded it. If you didn't know the "best brand" to get, Ryan did! His knowledge only continued to expand as he traveled the world in his job as a service technician with Müller Martini, which he loved! He soon became a connoisseur of all things food or drink and honed his culinary tastes beyond those of all around him. He knew more about good food and the tools with which to make them than anyone in his company. He became the star of any backyard BBQ by sharing his expertise at the grill. He also knew how to delight with stories of interest that showcased his easy smile and warm laughter, continuing to endear us to him. His generosity of time and attention to detail exposed his loving heart. He enjoyed the people he chose to be in the midst of and if you were one of those, you appreciated him with a sense of awe. He was just special. Ryan enjoyed disc golf to his usual extreme and had a hole-in-one under his belt! If you've ever shot a disc at a tree and hoped to hit it, you know this is difficult! He loved the challenge! Ryan was also a Phish-head and found his way to as many concerts as he could, fostering many special friendships within that common bond. Ryan played a little piano and bass guitar, but listening fit into his busy life much better. Remember him whenever you hear Phish play. He wanted to be there. Ryan enjoyed his previous jobs at Riverside Hospital, Iceland Seafood, Canon and most recently Jefferson Lab but, it was his memorable job at Müller Martini, where he had fostered professional competence and mentoring relationships that profoundly contributed to who he was. Honor Ryan; work with intent, play with passion and live a good life. Ryan enjoyed a fulfilling relationship with Michelle, his loving wife. Michelle's pure and beautiful love for him easily matched Ryan's energy and enthusiasm for life. Ryan will be greeted in heaven by his grandparents, Angelo and Angela Tarantino, of Saratoga Springs, NY, Gary Masters Sr., of Kansas City, MO, and uncle Patrick Tarantino, of Saratoga Springs, NY. We know our precious family dog, Wilson, will be excited to see him. Although Ryan was taken from us too soon, it gives us comfort knowing he will now enjoy restful peace in the light and love of his Maker. A celebration of Ryan's life will be held privately by his family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ring Dog Rescue, PO Box 28632, Henrico, Virginia 23228 (www.ringdogrescue.org), a non-profit Ryan was passionate about.