Thomas Masano

Thomas Masano, 98, of Wyomissing Park, Reading, passed away January 7, 2016, at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was the husband of the late Louise R. (Mastrolia), who passed away on May 20, 2015. They married at Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church on Sept. 5, 1953.

Tom was the Chairman of Tom Masano Auto Group, which he started with his brother Bruce in 1947, and now encompasses Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Ford, Lincoln, Mitsubishi and Mazda, as well as the new Tom Masano Auto Park.

Additionally, he was owner of Galen Hall Corp., Wernersville, acquired in 1964, which includes Galen Hall Woods and Stone Pond developments.

Born in Pottsville, PA, on August 28, 1917, Tom was the son of Frank and Carmella (Sgro) Masano.

He graduated from Riddle-McKay Aeronautical College (now Embry-Riddle University).

During WWII, he served as a Captain in the U.S. Army-Air Force and trained with the Royal Air Force, earning both AAF and RAF wings. He flew C-46s, C-47s and C-54s for the Air Transport Command in the China-Burma-India Theater, ferrying supplies into China. The operation over the Himalayas was known as "The Burma Airlift" or "Flying the Hump," for which Tom was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1945. In August 2015, Embry-Riddle informed Tom that he was the oldest living graduate of the University.

During his long business and civic career, Tom was also President of Berks Development Corp., served on the boards of Meridian Bank, Great Valley Savings Bank and Reading Aviation Service. He was a member of the National Automobile Dealers Association, the Lincoln-Mercury Dealers Association and the Reciprocity Club of Reading. He was also a member of the YR Club and Berkshire Country Club.

Tom was known for his great love of Galen Hall woodlands. For 51 years, he enhanced the 135 yr. old resort by developing two beautiful living communities and renovating the original buildings and grounds. He loved riding his golf cart through the wooded trails enjoying nature and looking for new projects. He particularly loved commissioning beautiful sculptures by local artists that now stand majestically in the woods and fields.

His whole life, he maintained a great curiosity for creativity and for building. He invented one of the first fiberglass cars in the United States, which was featured in Popular Science Magazine and is now exhibited at the Boyertown (PA) Museum of Historic Vehicles. In 1956, he was awarded a U.S. patent for his invention of the pneumatic convertible top for automobiles.

Tom had a great sense of humor, loved story-telling and especially lecturing young people on the importance of character and integrity in life and in business. He and his wife, Louise, had a wonderful partnership and shared the same values in their greatest joy, raising their four children. They found a great camaraderie with their life-long friends well into their 90s, regularly meeting for monthly dinners.

Tom is survived by four children: Thomas F., husband of Heidi Masano, Wyomissing, Andrea M. Masano and Louise A. Masano, both of New York City, John J., husband of Kelly Masano, Wyomissing; his sister, Edith (Masano) Wentzel, of Wyomissing; and four grandchildren: Julia, John, Megan and Kathryn.

Tom was predeceased by his brother, Bruce, and two sisters, Mary Kauffman and Josephine Krause.

He was a member of Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church.

The family would like to thank all the aides who cared for their father with patience and love, particularly Christine, Sheri, Debbie, Gloria, Crystal, Joan and Eleonora.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary R.C. Church, 237 Franklin St., Reading, PA 19602. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Berks County Community Foundation for the Masano Family Scholarship Fund, 237 Court St., Reading, PA 19601, the Children's Home of Reading, 1010 Centre Ave., Reading PA, 19601, or Holy Rosary R.C. Church at the above address.

Edward J. Kuhn, Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.