Obituary of J Albert Mastro

J. Albert Mastro, Sr., 89, of Long Valley, formerly of Bernardsville, died peacefully on Saturday, April 12, 2014.   He was born on February 14,1925, the youngest of 4 children of the late Benedetto and Margaret Mastrobattista.  Mr. Mastro was a long-time resident of Bernardsville where he married, raised his family and enjoyed an extensive career dedicating himself to municipal service as well as his private law practice.   Mr. Mastro was a WWII Battle of the Bulge veteran, serving as a staff sergeant under the command of General George S. Patton.  He was a graduate of Drew University and Rutgers University Law School.  Mr. Mastro was admitted to the New Jersey Bar Association in 1956.   During his career he served as Municipal Court Judge in Bernards Township and Passaic Township.  He also represented the Borough of Bernardsville and Township of Warren as Municipal Attorney.  Mr. Mastro served as planning board attorney for Tewksbury Township and Borough of Far Hills.  Additionally, he served first as vice president and then as president of the Institute of Municipal Attorneys from 1975-1981.   Mr. Mastro was an automobile enthusiast with a passion for farm tractors and mechanical gadgetry.  Upon retirement, he enjoyed boating, fishing, vegetable gardening, Civil War and World War II history.   He was predeceased by his sister, Esther McCue and brothers Peter and Arthur Mastrobattista.   Mr. Mastro is survived by his beloved long-time companion, Doris Lortie, his children, son J. Albert, Jr. and his wife Adrienne of Basking Ridge, NJ, daughter Cheryl and her husband, John Macdowall of Califon, NJ, and son Raymond and his wife, Deborah of Mars, PA; as well as seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.   Visitation will be from 2:00 – 4:00 & 6:00 – 8:00 on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home, 101 S. Finley Ave., Basking Ridge. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2014 at the First Presbyterian Church of Bernardsville, 321 Mine Brook Road (Rte. 202), followed by interment at Somerset Hills Memorial Park, Bernardsville. For further information or please contact the funeral home at 908-766-0250 or to light an online condolence candle visit our website at www.gcfuneralhome.com.