Obituary of John H. Mastandrea

John H. Mastandrea, age 98, of Bethlehem, PA, passed away on Thursday, October 17, 20H24. Born on January 4, 1926, in Iselin, NJ, he was the son of the late Frank and Marion (nee Tomasso) Mastandrea.

He attended Woodbridge High School and enlisted in the Navy in 1943 during his senior year at just 17 years old. John honorably served our country during the Okinawa Invasion on the LSM (Landing Ship Medium) 220 in World War II. Throughout his service, he was awarded the American Theater Medal, Asiatic Medal, and the Victory Medal. A proud veteran, he organized reunions for all shipmates from LSM 220 and was the last surviving member of that crew. He was also a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 397 in Hellertown, PA, and notably became the one millionth person to enter the Virginia Beach USO.

After being honorably discharged in 1946, John obtained his Engineering degree from Rutgers University. He married Helen (nee Comiskey) in 1948, and together they raised four children: John, Jeff, Jill, and Jacqueline, whom he cherished deeply. They lived on an 18-acre farm in Pittstown, NJ. Helen passed away in 1976. John and his partner, owned and operated a chain of NAPA Auto Parts stores. John remarried and in 1979 and he and his wife Eleanor Madack Mastandrea built a home in Bethlehem, PA on 5 acres with a pond. John took immense pride in his large family and relished every moment spent with them.

John is predeceased by his first wife, Helen Mastandrea; second wife, Eleanor Madack Mastandrea, son Jeff Mastandrea; granddaughter, Jewel; and sisters, Marie Lemiska and Rita Mastangelo.

He will be forever missed by his son, John Mastandrea (Kathleen); daughters, Jill Zander (Donald), Jacqie Smaracko (Steve); step-daughters, Carolyn Madack, Michelle Chunko (Mike), Cindy Stigora (Joe); sister, Frances Kenny (Greg); grandchildren, Autumn, Jillene, Heidi, Steven, Kevan, Austin; Joe, Jason Allison, Andrea; and 17 great-grandchildren.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, November 2nd from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM at the Martin Funeral Home, located 1761 Route 31, Clinton NJ 08809. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, November 2nd at 11:00 AM, at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church, located at 1005 County Road 519, Frenchtown NJ 08825. Interment will follow at the Locust Grove Cemetery in Quakertown NJ. For further information or to send condolences to the family please visit www.martinfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John's name may be made to Tunnels for Towers at Please Click Here to Donate