Michael Masterson

1961 - 2018

Michael Masterson

New Orleans - Michael Masterson died unexpectedly of natural causes at his home in New Orleans on May 31, 2018. He would have been 57 years old on June 25, 2018.

Michael is survived by his daughter, Kristin of Columbus, OH, his mother Madeline of Okemos, MI, his father John (Patty) of Lansing, MI, and brother Romulus and nephew Donovan of Redlands, CA. He is also survived by stepson, Daniel Wang, Uncle Xavier Eboli of Venice, FL, Aunt Maryann (Dominick) Capuzzi of Youngsville, NY, Aunt Toshiko Masterson of Chula Vista, CA, and Uncle Larry (Lena) Masterson of Santa Monica, CA, and many loving cousins, friends and colleagues. He is preceded in death by his sister, Maryann, his grandparents, Thomas and Mary Eboli, and Felix and Margaret Masterson, Uncle Joseph Masterson, and Aunt Lynne Eboli.

Michael was born on June 25, 1961 in West Lafayette, IN and raised in Okemos, MI. He graduated from Okemos HS in 1979, received an Associate's Degree from Lansing Community College in Digital Electronics in 1984, and a BS in Mathematics and Physics from Michigan State University (Phi Beta Kappa) in 1987. He also earned an MS in Physics from the University of Chicago in 1989 where he received an award for his teaching as a graduate assistant.

Michael was a gifted teacher and taught Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science at the high school and college levels in California, Michigan, China, and Louisiana where he made a difference in many students' lives. Recently, he was a contributing editor for the nationally acclaimed Pearson Calculus AP Edition textbook.

Music was an integral part of Michael's life. He was an accomplished musician and played the guitar, violin, flute, and dulcimer, as well as created original compositions. His latest musical group was named the "Derivatives".

A longtime member of IATSE (Stagehands Union) and also more recently the AFT (American Federation of Teachers), he was dedicated to advocating for workers collaboratively. He was key to organizing the United Teachers of Franklin at Benjamin Franklin High School where he taught the last five years.

Michael connected with many people in a positive way, and will be remembered for his keen intelligence, ability to reach students, beautiful and meaningful music, unique sense of humor, and compassion for others.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, July 7 at 11:30 am at the MSU Alumni Chapel to be followed by a reception at the Kellogg Center at 1 pm. Donations in memory of Michael can be made to the Michael Masterson Computer Science Scholarship Fund at bfhsla.org/donate.