When I began to reflect on what I could share about Uncle Coke, I thought I should try to say something that no one else would be saying. Suddenly it dawned on me that each of us who were blessed to know him would most likely be sharing similar thoughts. Uncle Coke was a good man, closer to perfect than anyone I know. That’s not an exaggeration it’s the truth! He lived a clean, wholesome life. He loved life, and it always seemed to me that it was simple things in life that brought him the most joy. I knew Uncle Coke to be a kind, caring, selfless man. He adored his wife, Aunt Susie, and there was nothing he would not do for, WOMAN!

Uncle Coke has always been good to me. I remember, as a child, we had a “thing”. Whenever we would see each other, he would say, “Hey kid, are you all right? “ I would laugh and reply, yes, “I’m all right”. Uncle Coke would say, no, your not all right, you’re half left. We would laugh and laugh. I found it funny, he cared about my happiness and took time to make me laugh. As a grown up, I can remember running into Uncle Coke at the Giant, the funniest thing was that he would usually pop up while I was in the check out line, and he would always have something so funny to say to me. He was well known by all of the cashiers there. When he would joke around with us, everyone would laugh! He always loved to bring a smile to everyone face. I will miss that about him, because I could always count on his lighthearted humor and that special way that he used to make everyone laugh!

Uncle Coke cared about me. He made me feel special. Even though he didn’t say it I knew it! We all have heard that old saying, ”Actions speak louder than words.” He did many things over the years to show me how he felt. He taught me to drive and took me for my driver’s license test, three times! We did not have a car, and Uncle Coke filled that void, no one asked him to, he just did it because he was selfless.

Uncle Coke bought me my wedding cake. The cake was not expensive, and I could have paid myself, but it sure felt good to have Uncle Coke reach out and make me feel special at that time. My parents were both gone, Uncle Coke reached out he filled a void. It meant more to me than words can ever tell. He was a loving soul!

Throughout this past year, on every occasion I had to visit with Uncle Coke, he took time to ask about my children. It was a time when his health was failing and still, he wanted to know about others. Uncle Coke was so selfless, and so loving. I will miss him a lot. I will always treasure the memory of my wonderful Uncle Coke.

To: The Entire Masticola and Mignogna Families,

It is with Great Sadness and Sympathy that I am Composing a Tribute to a Great Man, Educator and Friend. Mr. Masticola will be remembered as a Family man, a Gentle Giant,

and a "Stern" but fair Hallway Monitor during my years at Chester High School. (1963- 1965) You Knew when he had Hallway Duty!!!!

His devotion to his Classes/Students etc.was memorialized by the Legendary Sign in Chester during my Childhood. "What Chester Make's, Make's Chester"!!!! He believed in Quality Education and would not settle for anything less! His Family Values and integrity,through his ability to lead by example was what he shared with Thousands of students. The Products of Chester High School during his tenure were exemplary!!!!

Your Families have an abundance of Memories from a Great man and his legacy will go on for Many Years!

Respectfully,

The Entire Spedden Family,

Larry,Gail,Bart,Ronald,and Gail

This letter was started on Wednesday night February 3rd and completed after Dad passed away.

Dad;

As I sit here and look at you peacefully asleep my mind goes to all the different memories I have of you. All of the events of my life and all of the time we shared together. I go from all you have faced over the past year and a half to all of the times of my childhood and younger life. I am amazed at how the time has slipped away. For both of us. I know tonight we are nearing the end of our time. I’m so fortunate to have had you for 55 years and I am honored to have helped care for you through the last two.

As a child I watched you, from three feet behind, walk up the street so swiftly that I couldn’t keep up. You were so strong and sure. You always told me the way I was supposed to act. Respect elders was the biggest –followed by being honest and working hard. You walked the walk with your lessons.

Your tough and sometimes stoic façade could never truly masked your kindness although my friends still tell stories of you scaring them half to death when they came around the house. A part of your sense of humor everyone has gotten to know.

Thank you also for bringing hockey into my life. This sport was ours to share-all the way to this day.

When it became my turn to grow up you were always there with support and at the ready to kick my ass when needed. Both were welcome guidance. You were tough on me when I pushed back as a teenager but gave me slack when I started working my first jobs. Either way my loyalty grew.

You got me through college. I’m not sure who felt the accomplishment, or relief, more me or you. And I’m certain no kid can boast about the pride of their parents more than I after seeing you stand silently and shake your wallet at me as my name was called in the college auditorium on graduation day.

All through the years you always stayed close to me in your own way no matter how far or how long we were apart. Even after all the years growing up I’ve still never felt closer than we’ve been over the past two. While it was disheartening to see your health decline your spirit never did. During every visit or phone call you always looked for a positive to share with me about the day-not to mention the thousand times you tried to get me to bring you some chocolate biscotti to keep in your bedside drawer.

You had many challenges that kept trying to knock you down but you were more worried about how Mom was doing than the latest setback of your own condition. I cannot count the number of care givers we met recently who call me to tell me about you and they always started and finished with how much they liked you and how pleasant you were to have as a patient. These lessons in life you taught me far outshone the earlier ones –even if this wasn’t your intention.

Well now, Dad, it’s time to say goodbye. My fondest childhood memory was of the baseball catches we’d have in front of the house near dusk on summer evenings. The other day I thought about those times and how I was so excited when you told me to grab my glove and I prayed for just one more.

Dad I will look forward to seeing you again and in the mean time I will keep you with me every day. Next time I see you we’ll have that catch.

I love you dad.

~son #2-David.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Masticola family.

Gary Urban and Family

Our entire team sends condolences to the Masticola family during this time of sadness and loss of a loved one. Our prayers go out to Thomas J. Masticola and all of his surviving family.

My husband and I were saddened to read of Mr. Masticola's passing. We remember him well from CHS, always a joy and a pleasure whenever he was on the scene. In those days, he was called Jim (not by the students, of course!!) and taught Social Studies (according to the yearbook). His presence always made the day a little bit better. Sincerely, Eileen Grant CHS53, and Domenic Pascale ,CHS50. It was our pleasure to have known him and to have had him in our lives; we have you in our prayers. Sincerely