He is survived by his devoted wife Karen of 50 years, sons; Don S. Masch (Penny) of White Lake MI, Brian Masch (Christy) of Calgary, Alberta, brother; Dennis Masch (Cathy) of Clermont, FL, grandchildren; Julia, Andrew, Sean, Cameron, and Avery.
Don was born in Waterbury, Connecticut to the late George and Angelina (LaPio) Masch. He was a graduate of the University of Connecticut where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and participated in Army ROTC prior to his Commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. He served as an Infantry Officer for 10 years before attending the Defense Language Institute and Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, CA, where he earned his Master’s Degree in National Security Affairs. During his career he served with the United Nations in Lebanon, worked in Defense Intelligence at the Pentagon, and later served as a Congressional Liaison for the Army. He retired from the Army in 1993 after 23 years of distinguished service, achieving the rank of Lt. Colonel. He continued onto his second career in the Defense Industry until his well-earned second retirement as the VP of Government Relations for Vista Outdoors in 2017. During his time on Capitol Hill, Don was known as a passionate advocate for the U.S. soldier, was widely respected for his ethics, and served in leadership roles for several professional organizations.
Don and Karen moved to New Bern following retirement, where he immersed himself in the community and continued to serve others. He was a member and past President of the New Bern Breakfast Rotary and served on the Board of Directors and as the Construction Committee Chairman for the Craven County Habitat for Humanity. He was also a member of the Navy League.
While Don’s list of professional accomplishments is long and distinguished, they do not begin to tell the whole story. He was a man of many talents and passions, including his love of Blues and Rock music. He was a gifted guitar player who began teaching others while still in high school. He loved to attend concerts with Karen, and in retirement assembled an impressive collection of guitars and memorabilia. Don and Karen loved to travel, whether it was visiting far-off corners of the world, camping in their RV, or going to see their grandkid’s sporting events or school concerts. Don was a talented woodworker and landscaper, an avid Yankees fan, and enjoyed golf and shooting sports. But above all else, Don was devoted to his wife Karen, his children, and his grandchildren. He believed nothing was more important than his family and the example he set as a husband and father will ensure his legacy will endure long after his passing.
A memorial service will be held at Cotten Funeral Home on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at 10:00 am. The family will receive friends following the service. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Rotary International Charities, Craven County Habitat for Humanity, or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Don Masch.
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