John S Mastin

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John Stuart Mastin, who passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the age of 80, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on March 30, 1946, in Buffalo, New York, John lived a life defined by love for his family, quiet strength, hard work, and generosity. He believed that life’s greatest moments were the ones shared with the people you love, and he created a lifetime of those memories.

As a proud United States Navy pilot, John flew search and rescue helicopters, dedicating himself to helping others with courage and skill. His love of aviation never faded after his military service. After leaving the Navy, he continued pursuing his passion for flying in his beloved Cessna for decades to come. There were few places he felt more at peace than in the cockpit, where the world looked a little quieter and a little more beautiful from above.

After his service in the Navy, John built a successful career in commercial real estate leasing and development. He worked for The Rouse Company and Prime Retail before eventually owning and managing his own commercial properties. Throughout his career, he was known for his integrity, strong work ethic, and ability to build lasting relationships, earning the respect of colleagues and clients alike.

He also treasured the family’s annual summer trips to the Outer Banks, where more than 40 members of the Mastin family gathered each year. Those beach vacations were among his happiest traditions—filled with laughter, stories, long days by the ocean, and the joy of being surrounded by generations of the family he loved so dearly.

John had a gift for making people feel welcome. Whether sharing stories, lending a helping hand, or simply offering his quiet presence, he left those around him feeling valued and cared for. His kindness was steady, genuine, and never asked for recognition. It was simply who he was.

Above all else, John was devoted to his family. He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend whose steady presence, kindness, and love shaped the lives of those around him. His greatest legacy is not only what he accomplished, but the family he cherished and the memories he helped create.

In his final months, John faced metastatic melanoma with remarkable courage. Though the disease changed so much, it never changed the deep love that surrounded him. He spent his final days at home, cared for with compassion and dignity by his family and hospice team.

He is survived by Debra, his beloved wife of nearly 34 years; his children, Emily Mastin Bonner (Calvin) and Matthew Mastin; his siblings, Tom Mastin (Louri), Jim Mastin (Ann Marie), Tim Mastin, Mary Beth Claps (Nicholas), and Jeanne Marie Dibble (Jerry); and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stuart and Margaret Mastin; his brother, Michael Mastin; and his nephew, Ryan Mastin.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Warrier, and the entire medical team at the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the hospice team at Gilchrist, and the many other healthcare professionals who cared for him with kindness throughout his illness.

A visitation will be held at Our Lady of the Chesapeake Catholic Church on Friday, July 31, 2026, beginning at 1:00 p.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 3:00 p.m. Interment will take place at a later date at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Rensselaer, New York, where he will be laid to rest beside his parents.

While our hearts are broken, we are grateful for the years we shared with him. We will think of him whenever a small airplane passes overhead, whenever we return to the beaches of the Outer Banks, and whenever our family gathers together. His love, quiet strength, deep faith, and generous spirit will remain with us always.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of John Mastin may be directed to support Dr. Govind Warrier’s melanoma and skin cancer research at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. Please make checks payable to Johns Hopkins University with a memo indicating that this gift is “in memory of John Mastin, to Dr. Warrier’s research” Checks should be sent to the: Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, 750 East Pratt Street, Suite 1700, Baltimore, MD 21202 or make a gift online: https://secure.jhu.edu/form/Warrier "