Obituary of John Paul Masine

John Paul Masine of Washington Crossing, PA passed away Friday, April 21, 2017 at the age of 99. Born August 12, 1917, John had been looking forward to celebrating his 100th birthday but was called instead to join his beloved wife of 68 years Wilhelmina Helen Steepy Masine. The son of Thomas and Rose Masine he was born and raised in Trenton, NJ and graduated from Trenton Central High School in 1936. After marriage John and Mina eventually resided in Hamilton Township for 53 years before moving to Washington Crossing. John was truly a devoted, loving family man and was well-loved in return. Nothing made him happier than when visiting with family. It can be said that he was always ready to volunteer his time and skills whenever and where ever needed by family, friends, or co-workers. It just wasn't in him to turn down a request. He was what many would call “one of the good guys". During the final days of the cavalry, John served in the New Jersey National Guard and later with the U.S. Navy in the Pacific and the Navy Seabees during the Korean War. He was a strong, very patriotic backer of America, truly a loyal citizen who never missed a chance to vote up to the end. He retired from New Jersey Bell Telephone after 32 years of service and was proud to be active in the Telephone Pioneer organization where he served terms as chapter president and chaplain. He was also a member of the Hamilton Elks. Aside from his wife Mina and parents, John was predeceased by his son-in-law Jerry Ashmen; mother and father-in law George W. and Helen A. Steepy; brother Daniel J. Masine; sisters Lillian DeTulleo (Charles) and Anna Mae Walter; brothers-in-law Leroy Steepy (Ethel), George Steepy, Jr. (Sarah), and Clarence "Herb" Steepy (Liv); and sister-in-law Helen M. Spedding (Harold). John is survived by his devoted daughter Joan H. Ashmen of Washington Crossing, grandsons Jerry J. Ashmen (Amy) of Downingtown, PA and Jeffrey S. Ashmen (Jill) of Bayville, NJ and his great granddaughter Jacklyn Ashmen. Also surviving are his sister Marie Burns (William) of Texas, brother-in-law Chris Walter of Hamilton Twp., and many nieces and nephews. Friends and family may call Wednesday, April 26, 2017 from 10-11 AM Poulson & Van Hise Funeral Home, 650 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville, NJ. A funeral service for John will follow at 11AM at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of choice or to Telephone Pioneers #81,c/o Lew Mohr, 115 Winding Way, Morrisville, PA 19067.