Edward J. Massaro

June 7, 1933 - June 1, 2019

Cary

MASSARO - Edward J. born June 7, 1933 in New Jersey passed away June 1, 2019 in Cary, NC. After a five-year battle with Alzheimer's Disease.

Ed, The cool Professor, Scientist, Loving Husband, Brother, Father, Uncle, Grandfather, animal lover, environmental advocate, scuba diver, bird watcher and an Eagle Scout.

In 1965 Ed earned his A.B. Biology, Chemistry from Rutgers University, 1958 M.A. Biochemistry. Cell Biology from University of Texas-Austin, 1962 Ph. D Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Physiology University of Texas-Austin and the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston.

Ed knew from the time he was a child that he wanted to be a scientist. His interest in nature and science was stimulated by the Boy Scouts where he obtained Eagle Scout Status. Ed was the first in his family to attend college and supported himself and his family as an undergraduate and graduate student.

Ed wore many hats, Instructor of Biology and Chemistry at Brinn College Texas, Research Associate at Johns Hopkins University, Assistant, Associate, Professor and Research Professor of Biochemistry at SUNYAB, Director of Toxicology and Chemical Carcinogenesis at Mason Research Institute, Director of Center of Air Environment and Professor of Biochemical Toxicology at Department of Veterinary Science at The PA State University, Research Scientist at the NC EPA. Ed has published numerous articles and edited journals, handbooks, newsletters and a book series. Ed truly loved his career and it shows by all of his accomplishments and dedication to science.

Ed was the "coolest" biochemistry professor at SUNY at Buffalo and inspired many undergraduate and graduate students to make careers in science. He was very proud of all of his students and loved to teach.

Ed spent 45 years with the love of his life, Arlene. 41 of those years as devoted husband and wife. They enjoyed animals, especially their cats. Ed never missed an opportunity for belly rubs and giving treats to his numerous cats over the years. He also enjoyed cooking Italian food, a good book, a great laugh and a glass of Canadian Club. Ed will be dearly missed by his wife, family, friends and his cats.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents; Anthony and Sadie Massaro and his brother: Joel Massaro.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years Arlene Massaro M.D., four children from his first marriage David (Julie) Massaro, Paul (Tammy) Massaro, Steven (Lisa) Massaro, Anita Massaro Umek; Grandchildren Kate Edwards, Rachel Edwards, Caleb Umek, Liam Umek, Elijah Umek, Anthony Massaro, Jessica Massaro, Natasha Massaro, Joseph Massaro, Nikolas Massaro, Jake Massaro; Niece Michelle Soloman; Nephews Scott (Celia) Massaro, Jeffery Massaro; Great Nephews Joshua, Jordan and Austin; Sister-in-law's Rhoda (Massaro); Mary (Isreal) Blagdon; Laura (Sean) Hillis, Brother-in-law's Thomas (Kathy) Mahood, Samuel (Sharon) Mahood. 4 Great Grandchildren, His first wife Janet Massaro; The Morganti Family (Judy, Lisa, Laura); The Muscarella Family (Frank, Cookie); Close family friend Trece Morris; Mort Kaplan- his longest friend of 85 years; many graduate students who are now respected scientists and five loving cats.

He will be missed dearly.

A Funeral service will be held Friday, June 21,2019 @ 11 AM at St Andrews Catholic Church 3008 Old Raleigh Rd, Apex, NC 27502. In lieu of flowers, if desired consider donation to Research for Alzheimer's Disease, environmental protection or animal rescue groups.

Online condolences may be made at www.BrownWynneCary.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News and Observer on Jun. 16, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Edward Massaro

Sponsored by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home.

9 Entries

Kaitlin

September 13, 2023

I worked with Ed at the EPA. He was a great a friendly guy.

Debbie Ladd

July 26, 2023

so sorry-Arlene

Prof. Gideon Kanner

July 26, 2020

Eddie was my friend in high school. After graduation, I went off to California bbut over the years I had a few contacts with him and I rejoiced in his achievements as a scientist, I remember him as a friendly, good-humored companion. I am sorry we lost him. The world is a poorer place without him. Rest in peace, Eddie.
Gideon Kanner

Joe Muscarella

June 21, 2019

Very sorry to hear about Ed's passing. He was truly a gifted person with many passions to share with the world. From individual relationships, to teaching, and of course the cats...the world was blessed to have such a gifted individual for so many years. We trust he is in a peaceful place watching over those he loves!

Cookie Muscarella

June 21, 2019

Dearest Arlene,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The memories of "EJ" loom large in our hearts. He was kind and generous, opinionated and sassy, and a life-long friend. He was a well-respected educator who held his students to the highest of standards. The quest for knowledge and learning were of utmost importance in his life. He spoke with pride of the many students he guided into scientific careers; most of all, however, he glowed with pride in your accomplishments. He talked non-stop of your success. EJ was well rounded; we remember the night we all stayed up and talked for hours about "penny candy". The two of you were always there when we needed a friend; we are here for you. Love, Cookie & Frank Muscarella

Laura Morganti Cotton

June 18, 2019

Dear Arlene,
I am heartbroken for your loss. I'm so sorry. You and Ed have been a part of our family for more than 4 decades. Your love and devotion to each other is something that most couples strive to have. Your humor, love of science, strong work ethic and animal loving characteristics made you a perfect fit.
As a young girl, every time that I was told that the Massaro's were coming to visit, it would bring a smile to my face. I was always included in a conversation and of course, a big hug. When I got older, if I already had plans, I'd change them because seeing Ed and you was more important. I remember Ed pulling into our driveway on Stolle Road with a neat vehicle, usually Jeep, and I thought his black leather jacket was so cool!
You both flew in for my first wedding, and it meant the world to me that you were there. You both were supportive of my career choices and changes, and even my poor choices or the bad decisions that I have made.
You both watched me grow up as a young child, a teenager, a college student, a medical transcriptionist, a wife, a divorcee, a student nurse, an LPN, a college student AGAIN, a married woman for the second time, a graduate school student, a mother, a teacher, and a middle aged woman.
Ed met my son when he was an infant, a toddler, and a school age boy. I loved hearing Ed laugh or seeing his smile when he was around Christopher. That's one of the things that I really loved about Ed. He was so easy to be around. He was brilliant, handsome, tall, attentive, and fun.
Our family always considered the Massaro's to be family. Being in contact worked both ways because that's what true friends and family do.
Knowing that the Massaro's were a phone call away was always comforting throughout all of my dad's many illnesses. We felt your support and strength from afar. You both were never too busy even though your lives were busier and more hectic than most people can even imagine.
When my dad went to the hospital and never came home, you and Ed continuously remained in constant contact during that horrible month. The guidance, advice, knowledge, support, and love that you provided meant more to my mom, myself, and my family than I can even begin to describe.
After my dad died, Ed flew in to support us. He was heartbroken and shared in our deep sorrow. Seeing him grieve was hard for me because I always saw Ed as our family rock. He knew things about my dad that I never knew. They shared so much in common that it amazed me. The knowledge and brains that both of those crazy Italian men had, their deep conversations throughout four decades of friendship, and bellow laughs that could be heard on the other side of the room had come to an end, and I could see the pain in Ed's eyes and face. It broke me down to see Ed cry, and I could picture it like it was yesterday.
Even though my dad was gone, you both never forgot about my mom, my sister, my son, or me. Others wouldn't have made the time to call, email, or even let us know that he wanted to see us when he was back in Buffalo visiting his children and grandchildren. You both did this because that's what true and devoted friends and family do.
Seeing Ed failing physically and mentally was devastating. He wasn't the Ed who had been all of the things that I have described.
Arlene, your love and devotion to Ed was immeasurable. The last five years of his life were more than tough for you. You spread yourself thin with working countless hours, taking care of patients, and taking care of Ed. I don't know how you did it. You were Ed's advocate, always doing what was best for him. You have been selfless. Most people have no idea what the past 5 years have been like for you to watch Ed, this brilliant and strong man fade away. It's unfathomable. In time, I hope the events of the past 5 years can be put aside, and that the wonderful memories that you made be constant and plentiful.
It's going to be very hard for you especially since you had to take on the role as Ed's caretaker. You never lost sight of the vow that you took to love and support Ed in the good times and bad.
Ed will be missed dearly. He has blessed my life, and I am so thankful to have known him! I know that he and my dad are having deep intellectual conversations in heaven, and I know that they are watching over us and will continue to do so until they are joined by their beloved wives and loved ones. The reunion will be spectacular and it will be free from pain, suffering, and illness.
Arlene, I will not forget you. I will always love you and Ed. The Massaro and Morganti bond will not be broken. We will be there for you because that is what true family and friends do.

Reunited in heaven, Eddie and Joel, let the shenanigans begin

Rhoda Massaro

June 18, 2019

June 17, 2019

My sincere condolences. May our heavenly Father, the God of all comfort, sustain you at this time of such great loss and sorrow - 2Thessalonians 2:16, 17.

Ed, our baby grandson, and John - taken in the summer of 2009

Judy Morganti

June 16, 2019

Ed and I met in the 70's at a meeting to establish bylaws for an environmental organization whose newsletter I was editing. This led to Ed meeting my husband, John (Jack) Morganti, and a friendship of over 45 years began.

Both had their PhD.'s, Ed's in biochemistry and John's in psychology. Ed taught at SUNY@Buffalo, John at Buffalo State Collete. They applied for several federal grants and collaborated on research into the effects of toxic metals on mice. John and Brad Lown did the behavioral part, Ed did the toxically. Their papers on the research were published in many scholarly journals and brought sizable funds to both schools.

Ed and Arlene and John and I had a wonderful friendship. Ed and Arlene visited us regularly after they moved from Buffalo. We talked all the time. When our kids got married, Ed was there. When John did six years ago, I was stunned to turn around and see Ed sitting at the Mass. He offered us all consolation. The last time my one daughter and I saw him was a year later and we knew he was ill.

Our hearts go out to Arlene who Ed was so proud of and loved with his whole heart. During the last five years, she shouldered alone the difficult tasks of taking care of Ed, despite the emotional and physical toll it took on her. At the same time, she continued her pediatric medical practice. Her strength amazes me.

I will never forget Ed, his smile, his bemused expressions, his intelligence, and, most of all, his friendship.

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