Obituary of Thomas B. Mascia

Thomas B. Mascia, longtime resident of West Hempstead NY died peacefully April 6, 2017 at the age of 90. He was born to Maria and Pietro Mascia on January 20, 1927 in Brooklyn NY. Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Valerie (Fantozzi). They were married on September 17, 1950 and began their life of commitment to each other. Devoted to his family, he took great pride in his four children: Peter and his wife Carol of Sorrento FL, Anne Marie of New York City, Gina Mascia-Freda and her husband Rick of Quogue NY, and Theresa Dunnells and her husband Craig of East Northport NY. His two grandchildren were the light of his life, Laurie Ajan and her husband Kemal, and Tommasino Freda. Tom came from a very close family, and is survived by his brother Frank and his wife Sabina of Sarasota FL, his sister Rose Cutugno and her husband Vito of Bayside NY, and two sisters-in-law, Julia Mascia of West Hempstead NY and Phyllis Fantozzi of East Patchogue NY. Tom loved his country and proudly served during World War II under the command of General George S. Patton in France and Germany. He returned from the war and began his employment at Eastern Airlines under the leadership of World War I flying ace Eddie Rickenbacker, and later former astronaut Frank Borman. He remained at Eastern Airlines for 40 years as a Ground Equipment Foreman. Newly retired, he then put his automotive knowledge to good use working at Van Buren Auto Parts for 23 years more. To his neighbors, Tom was kind, caring and always there to listen or advise. He gladly accepted the call to repair their cars and help with other home improvements. His love of woodworking produced cabinets, bookcases, cutting boards and birdhouses that sooner or later every family member was the proud owner of. Known for his abundant vegetable garden, he gladly shared the bounty with all who stopped by to admire it. He loved to tell stories about his youth and his days in the service. He jokingly attributed his ailing knees to the demands of General Patton, affectionately referring to him as "Old Blood and Guts -- Our Blood and His Guts". He never parted from a friend without sending his best wishes to their family. "Be sure and tell them how lucky they are to have you!" he would say. As time has shown us, we were lucky to have him.