John Joseph Masters

John Joseph Masters, 66, fought the good fight and finished the race passing on to his eternal reward on Thursday, November 21st surrounded by his loving family.

John was born on May 4, 1953, in Akron, Ohio to the late James and Deloris (Reid) Masters and lived much of his life in the area. As a 1971 graduate of Kenmore High School, he was an accomplished athlete who took great pride in his glory days being on the Ohio State Little League Championship team in 1965, scoring the very first touchdown ever at Prentice Park in Kenmore, being a part of the Championship football team at Kenmore High School two years in a row, and starring on the high school baseball team. Later, as an adult, he played softball on several men's teams and coached CYO and Green Youth baseball.

John had a long, successful career working in both life and health insurance. For the past 15 years his focus was Medicare and for the last 6 years he was a self-employed broker with Midwest Insurance Agency. He received many awards and recognitions for his business achievements.

As a devoted Catholic man, John lived his faith with zeal. Over the years he taught PSR, RCIA, and Confirmation classes and served on Parish Council and Finance Council. He was a Eucharistic Minister and a brother in an Exodus 90 fraternity.

A lover of music, John especially enjoyed classical music and opera, and of course, the oldies. He, along with his beloved wife, enjoyed camping, biking, hiking and just being in the great outdoors. He loved bird watching, specifically birds of prey.

John's greatest pride and joy in life was his family for whom he fought so hard to live. He will be deeply missed by them all: his soulmate and best friend, wife of 43 years, Kathie (Blubaugh); precious daughters Kristen (John) Parr, Angela (Victor) Vilchez, Sister Kateri Rose, O.P., and Jonni Therese Masters; grandchildren Giovanni, Dominic, and Kateri Parr; Victor Jr, Annamarie, and Natalia Vilchez. He is also survived by siblings, Jim (Debbie) Masters, Kathy (Don) Mayer, Amy (Bob) Leach, Marie (Mark) Mitchell, and Melissa (Skip) Johnson, many dear brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

The family will receive family and friends on Sunday, Nov.24th, 2019 from 2-6 p.m. at Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S. Main St in Akron. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, November 25th, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Francis DeSales Catholic Church, 4019 Manchester Rd, Akron, Ohio 44319, followed by internment at the Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to John Masters Bereavement Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/john-masters-treatment-to-beat-cancer on Go Fund Me or the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation, 801 Dominican Drive, Nashville, Tennessee, 37229. In addition, the family would like to encourage each of you to perform an act of charity in John's name.

A special thank you to Kindred Hospice, especially angels Erica, Carmellia, and Liz. We also thank Dr. Tom Lehner- doctor, cousin, friend- for being so near and dear to us these past months, and Dr. James Johns for his care and loving support, and Dr. Andrew Ragon and Dr. Eric Wood for their direction and counsel. And finally, the godly men of Exodus 90 who stood by John (us) so faithfully.