Ralph John Masia

On the morning of September 6, 2016, Ralph John Masia passed away peacefully at his home in San Bernardino, CA at the age of 80. Ralph is survived by his wife Barbara of 52 years, his children Christine of San Bernardino, CA, John of Sacramento, CA, and Deborah of Tyler, Texas, his brother Anthony of Vermont, many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents John and Jennie Masia of Vermont, his brother Joe Masia of Vermont, and his son Tony Masia of Castle Rock, CO. Ralph “Papa” was born on May 10, 1936 in Brooklyn, New York to John and Jennie Masia. At the age of eighteen he began his adventurous life in the Air Force, and was stationed in many countries around the world. He and his wife, Barbara, were married in 1964 and over a period of seven years had four children: Christine, John, Deborah, and Anthony. He retired from the Air Force after serving the country he loved for 23 years and then remained in California to raise his family. Family and friends remember him as a beautiful soul who genuinely loved and cared for everyone person and animal who showed up at his door. He enjoyed making everyone happy by telling silly jokes and performing magic tricks. He was a gun slinger with the jokes and always had one waiting in his wallet. He was a lifelong learner and enjoyed many hobbies including photography, woodworking, stamp collecting, watching the Cubbies, playing Zelda, and many others. Papa always said he would have been a doctor if he had patience, or he would have been a baker but he couldn’t raise the dough. In honor of Ralph, love someone who’s hurting, help someone in need, and tell a joke to make this world a little brighter.