James Aloysius Masterson

MERIDEN - James Aloysius Masterson, 81, passed away on Friday, Aug. 5, 2016.

He was born in White Plains, N.Y., the son of the late John J. and Bridget J. (Masterson) Masterson, both of whom were from Ireland (Cavan and Meath). His family moved to Meriden in 1943. When he was seven, he worked as a Liberty Magazine carrier, and at nine, a Morning Record carrier for five years. This was followed by stints on the tobacco fields, Pinard's Confectionary, A&P Company, the G.R. Cummings Roofing Co., the C.N. Flagg Co., and many other part-time jobs. During this time, he took over the running of the family after his mother became ill. He graduated from Meriden High School in 1952 and was the youngest member of his class. He joined the United States Coast Guard in July 1952 and served until 1955. He then graduated from Fairfield University. Upon graduation, he was with the Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. for seven years, followed by 31 years with Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, where he was assistant to the Pratt & Whitney financial vice presidents for many years.

He married Elisabeth R. Angelone, of Greenwich, Conn., in 1960 and they began a family of three children who, along with his wife, survive him: Veronica J.B.D. Masterson, of San Francisco, Calif., Julia R.M. Gest (Scott), of State College, Pa., and Attorney Robert L. Masterson (Xiaorong), of Lawrenceville, N.J.; along with four grandchildren, Phoebe J. Masterson-Eckart, Caitlin M. Gest, Conor W.M. Gest, and Theodore S. Masterson. He also leaves his sister, Katherine M. Laughlin, of Columbia, Md.; and brother, John S., of Meriden. He was predeceased by a sister, Mary Dymphna. He was a devoted family man, whose unwavering love was returned in kind.

In the past, Jim, who was a member of Mensa, had been a member of the Meriden Parking Authority, and an officer of the retail trade board. He served on the board of directors of the Meriden Historical Society and the Meriden Hall of Fame. He was a 50-year member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and a longtime member of the American Legion Post 45.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Tuesday, Aug. 9 at 10 a.m. at the John J. Ferry and Sons Funeral Home, 88 E. Main St., Meriden.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in his memory be made to Fairfield University library or the U.S. Coast Guard Academy library. For online condolences, please visit www.jferryfh.com.